Industry Statistics and Trends
Market size and recent performance (2014-2029)
Industry revenue has declined at a CAGR of 1.4 % over the past five years, to reach an estimated $19.7bn in 2024.
Trends and Insights
Reduced demand for ferrous castings challenges foundry profitability
- Ferrous metal foundries are grappling with a decline in domestic demand for their products, resulting in reduced revenues. This downturn is attributed to both long-term structural changes and short-term disruptions. Over the past two decades, demand for steel and iron castings has been decreasing as automobile manufacturers and other industries gradually shift towards using lighter, non-ferrous metals like aluminum. Additionally, the pandemic significantly disrupted production volumes in 2020, and some companies are still dealing with its lingering effects.
- Additional trends and insights available with purchase
Source: IBISWorld
Industry outlook (2025-2030)
Market size is projected to decline over the next five years.
Trends and Insights
Metal casting demand set to rise with economic growth
- Projected economic growth is anticipated to have a positive impact on the industry by driving demand across multiple sectors that rely on iron and steel castings. As the economy expands, driven in part by the Federal Reserve’s ongoing monetary easing, industries such as construction, automotive, infrastructure and machinery are expected to see increased activity, directly fueling the need for various cast products. This growth will be supported by higher consumer spending, greater business investments and increased government infrastructure projects.
Biggest companies in the Ferrous Metal Foundry Products in the US
| Company | Market Share (%)
2024 | Revenue ($m)
2024 | Profit ($m)
2024 | Profit Margin (%)
2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Precision Castparts Corp | 2,245.8 | 164.3 | 7.3 | |
Waupaca Foundry, Inc. | 2,150.0 | 157.3 | 7.3 |
To view the market share and analysis for all 2 top companies in this industry, view purchase options.
Products & Services Segmentation
Source: IBISWorld
Industry revenue is measured across several distinct product and services lines, including Iron foundry products, Steel investment cast products and Corrosion-resistant steel castings. Iron foundry products is the largest segment of the Ferrous Metal Foundry Products in the US.
Trends and Insights
Infrastructure and automotive industries fuel demand for iron foundries
- Iron foundries primarily serve the infrastructure and automotive sectors, where robust and durable materials are essential. Demand is driven by construction projects, vehicle manufacturing and heavy machinery. As these markets expand with economic growth, the need for iron castings remains strong, ensuring consistent market demand for foundry products.
- More insights available in the full report
Table of Contents
About this industry
Industry definition
Companies in this industry pour molten iron and steel into molds of a desired shape to make castings. Companies purchase ferrous metal inputs from iron and steel manufacturers. The industry does not include companies that cast iron and steel they manufacture themselves.
What's included in this industry?
Manufacturing iron castingsManufacturing steel castingsManufacturing finished iron productsCompanies
Precision Castparts CorpWaupaca Foundry, Inc.Purchase this report to view all 2 major companies in this industry.
Related Terms
FERROUSCASTINGFOUNDRYGRAY IRONDUCTILE IRONNONFERROUSINGOTIndustry Code
NAICS 33151 - Ferrous Metal Foundry Products in the US
Performance
Get an indication of the industry's health through historical, current and forward-looking trends in the performance indicators that make or break businesses.
Analyst insights
The industry is experiencing a decline in participation attributed to consolidations and exits. This reduction is influenced by technological progress and a growing preferenc...
In this chapter (4)
- Current Performance
- Outlook
- Volatility
- Life Cycle
Key metrics
- Annual Revenue, Recent Growth, Forecast, Revenue Volatility
- Number of Employees, Recent Growth, Forecast, Employees per Business, Revenue per Employee
- Number of Businesses, Recent Growth, Forecast, Employees per Business, Revenue per Business
- Total Profit, Profit Margin, Profit per Business
Charts
- Revenue, including historical (2014-2023) and forecast (2024-2029)
- Employees, including historical (2014-2023) and forecast (2024-2029)
- Businesses, including historical (2014-2023) and forecast (2024-2029)
- Profit, including historical (2014-2024)
- Industry Volatility vs. Revenue Growth
- Industry Life Cycle
Detailed analysis
- Trends in supply, demand and current events that are driving current industry performance
- Expected trends, economic factors and ongoing events that drive the industry's outlook
- Key success factors for businesses to overcome volatility
- How contribution to GDP, industry saturation, innovation, consolidation, and technology and systems influence the industry's life cycle phase.
Products and Markets
Learn about an industry's products and services, markets and trends in international trade.
Analyst insight
Automotive shifts influence foundry adaptation. As the automotive industry evolves, particularly with the rise of electric vehicles, foundries must innovate to meet new requi...
In this chapter
- Products & Services
- Major Markets
- International Trade
Key metrics
- Largest market segment and value in 2024
- Product innovation level
- Total imports, level and trend
- Total exports, level and trend
- Trade Balance
Charts
- Products & services segmentation in 2024
- Major market segmentation in 2024
- International trade, including imports by country and exports by country
Detailed analysis
- Trends impacting the recent performance of the industry's various segments
- Innovations in the industry's product or service offering, specialization or delivery method
- Key factors that successful businesses consider in their offerings
- Buying segments and key trends influencing demand for industry products and services
- Recent trends in import and export volumes, country of origin or destination, and expected future trends
Geographic Breakdown
Discover where business activity is most concentrated in an industry and the factors driving these trends to find opportunities and conduct regional benchmarking.
Analyst insights
Ohio's geographical centrality offers unmatched access to major US markets. This boosts the efficiency of transporting raw materials and finished products, thereby decreasing...
In this chapter (1)
- Business Locations
Charts
- Share of revenue, establishment, wages and employment in each state
- Share of population compared to establishments in each region in 2024
Tables
- Number and share of establishments in each state in 2024
- Number and share of revenue each state accounts for in 2024
- Number and share of wages each state accounts for in 2024
- Number and share of employees in each state in 2024
Detailed analysis
- Geographic spread of the industry across North America, and trends associated with changes in the business landscape
- Key success factors for businesses to use location to their advantage
Competitive Forces
Get data and insights on what's driving competition in an industry and the challenges industry operators and new entrants may face, with analysis built around Porter's Five Forces framework.
Analyst insights
Increasing reliance on non-ferrous metals is reshaping the industry. Over time, sectors like automotive and aerospace have shifted towards materials like aluminum for their l...
In this chapter (4)
- Concentration
- Barriers to Entry
- Substitutes
- Buyer & Supplier Analysis
Key metrics
- Industry concentration level
- Industry competition level and trend
- Barriers to entry level and trend
- Substitutes level and trend
- Buyer power level and trend
- Supplier power level and trend
Charts
- Market share concentration among the top 4 suppliers from 2019-2024
- Supply chain including upstream supplying industries and downstream buying industries, flow chart
Detailed analysis
- Factors impacting the industry’s level of concentration, such as business distribution, new entrants, or merger and acquisition activity.
- Key success factors for businesses to manage the competitive environment of the industry.
- Challenges that potential industry entrants face such as legal, start-up costs, differentiation, labor/capital intensity and capital expenses.
- Key success factors for potential entrants to overcome barriers to entry.
- Competitive threats from potential substitutes for the industry’s own products and services.
- Key success factors for how successful businesses can compete with substitutes.
- Advantages that buyers have to keep favorable purchasing conditions.
- Advantages that suppliers have to maintain favorable selling conditions.
- Key success factors for how businesses can navigate buyer and supplier power.
Companies
Learn about the performance of the top companies in the industry.
Analyst insights
Waupaca and Precision Castparts each capture approximately 10% of the industry. These companies operate several product lines that service construction and manufacturing indu...
In this chapter
- Market Share Concentration
- Companies
- Company Spotlights
Charts
- Industry market share by company in 2020 through 2024
- Major companies in the industry, including market share, revenue, profit and profit margin in 2024
- Overview of Precision Castparts Corp's performance by revenue, market share and profit margin from 2018 through 2024
- Overview of Waupaca Foundry, Inc.'s performance by revenue, market share and profit margin from 2018 through 2024
Detailed analysis
- Description and key data for Precision Castparts Corp, and factors influencing its performance in the industry
- Description and key data for Waupaca Foundry, Inc., and factors influencing its performance in the industry
External Environment
Understand the demographic, economic and regulatory factors that shape how businesses in an industry perform.
Analyst insights
The rapid industrialization and infrastructure development in emerging markets represent an opportunity for US foundries. This rising demand is an excellent opportunity for p...
In this chapter
- External Drivers
- Regulation & Policy
- Assistance
Key metrics
- Regulation & policy level and trend
- Assistance level and trend
Charts
- Regulation & Policy historical data and forecast (2014-2029)
- Assistance historical data and forecast (2014-2029)
Detailed analysis
- Demographic and macroeconomic factors influencing the industry, including Regulation & Policy and Assistance
- Major types of regulations, regulatory bodies, industry standards or specific regulations impacting requirements for industry operators
- Key governmental and non-governmental groups or policies that may provide some relief for industry operators.
Financial Benchmarks
View average costs for industry operators and compare financial data against an industry's financial benchmarks over time.
Analyst insights
Rising costs add to the foundries' challenges. Input costs for materials, energy and labor have increased, driving up the prices of iron and steel castings and putting pressu...
In this chapter
- Cost Structure
- Financial Ratios
- Key Ratios
Key metrics
- Profit margin, and how it compares to the sector-wide margin
- Average wages, and how it compares to the sector-wide average wage
- Largest cost component as a percentage of revenue
- Industry average ratios for days' receivables, industry coverage and debt-to-net-worth ratio
Charts
- Average industry operating costs as a share of revenue, including purchases, wages, depreciation, utilities, rent, other costs and profit in 2024
- Average sector operating costs as a share of revenue, including purchases, wages, depreciation, utilities, rent, other costs and profit in 2024
- Investment vs. share of economy
Data tables
- Industry Multiples (2017-2022)
- Industry Tax Structure (2017-2022)
- Income Statement (2017-2022)
- Balance Sheet (2017-2022)
- Liquidity Ratios (2017-2022)
- Coverage Ratios (2017-2022)
- Leverage Ratios (2017-2022)
- Operating Ratios (2017-2022)
- Cash Flow & Debt Service Ratios (2014-2029)
- Revenue per Employee (2014-2029)
- Revenue per Enterprise (2014-2029)
- Employees per Establishment (2014-2029)
- Employees per Enterprise (2014-2029)
- Average Wage (2014-2029)
- Wages/Revenue (2014-2029)
- Establishments per Enterprise (2014-2029)
- IVA/Revenue (2014-2029)
- Imports/Demand (2014-2029)
- Exports/Revenue (2014-2029)
Detailed analysis
- Trends in the cost component for industry operators and their impact on industry costs and profitability
Key Statistics
Industry Data
Data Tables
Including values and annual change:
- Revenue (2014-2029)
- IVA (2014-2029)
- Establishments (2014-2029)
- Enterprises (2014-2029)
- Employment (2014-2029)
- Exports (2014-2029)
- Imports (2014-2029)
- Wages (2014-2029)
Top Questions Answered
Unlock comprehensive answers and precise data upon purchase. View purchase options.
What is the market size of the Ferrous Metal Foundry Products in the US industry in United States in 2025?
The market size of the Ferrous Metal Foundry Products in the US industry in United States is $19.7bn in 2025.
How many businesses are there in the Ferrous Metal Foundry Products in the US industry in 2024?
There are 441 businesses in the Ferrous Metal Foundry Products in the US industry in United States, which has declined at a CAGR of 2.9 % between 2019 and 2024.
Has the Ferrous Metal Foundry Products in the US industry in United States grown or declined over the past 5 years?
The market size of the Ferrous Metal Foundry Products in the US industry in United States has been declining at a CAGR of 1.4 % between 2019 and 2024.
What is the forecast growth of the Ferrous Metal Foundry Products in the US industry in United States over the next 5 years?
Over the next five years, the Ferrous Metal Foundry Products in the US industry in United States is expected to decline.
What are the biggest companies in the Ferrous Metal Foundry Products in the US market in United States?
The biggest companies operating in the Ferrous Metal Foundry Products market in United States are Precision Castparts Corp and Waupaca Foundry, Inc.
What does the Ferrous Metal Foundry Products in the US in United States include?
Manufacturing iron castings and Manufacturing steel castings are part of the Ferrous Metal Foundry Products in the US industry.
Which companies have the highest market share in the Ferrous Metal Foundry Products in the US in United States?
The company holding the most market share in United States is Precision Castparts Corp.
How competitive is the Ferrous Metal Foundry Products in the US industry in United States?
The level of competition is moderate and steady in the Ferrous Metal Foundry Products in the US industry in United States.
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Complementors
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Methodology
How are IBISWorld reports created?
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Our analysts start with official, verified and publicly available sources of data to build the most accurate picture of each industry. Analysts then leverage their expertise and knowledge of the local markets to synthesize trends into digestible content for IBISWorld readers. Finally, each report is reviewed by one of IBISWorld’s editors, who provide quality assurance to ensure accuracy and readability.
IBISWorld relies on human-verified data and human-written analysis to compile each standard industry report. We do not use generative AI tools to write insights, although members can choose to leverage AI-based tools within the platform to generate additional analysis formats.
What data sources do IBISWorld analysts use?
Each industry report incorporates data and research from government databases, industry-specific sources, industry contacts, and our own proprietary database of statistics and analysis to provide balanced, independent and accurate insights.
Key data sources in the US include:
- US Census Bureau
- US Bureau of Labor Statistics
- US International Trade Commission
Analysts also use industry specific sources to complement catch-all sources, although their perspective may focus on a particular organization or representative body, rather than a clear overview of all industry operations. However, when balanced against other perspectives, industry-specific sources provide insights into industry trends.
These sources include:
- Industry and trade associations
- Industry federations or regulators
- Major industry players annual or quarterly filings
Finally, IBISWorld’s global data scientists maintain a proprietary database of macroeconomic and demand drivers, which our analysts use to help inform industry data and trends. They also maintain a database of statistics and analysis on thousands of industries, which has been built over our more than 50-year history and offers comprehensive insights into long-term trends.
How does IBISWorld forecast its data?
IBISWorld’s analysts and data scientists use the sources above to create forecasts for our proprietary datasets and industry statistics. Depending on the dataset, they may use regression analysis, multivariate analysis, time-series analysis or exponential smoothing techniques to project future data for the industry or driver. Additionally, analysts will leverage their local knowledge of industry operating and regulatory conditions to impart their best judgment on the forecast model.
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