Benefits of Membership

The Cast Metals Federation (CMF) is the voice of the UK casting industry – supporting foundries and suppliers with expert representation, industry intelligence and practical support.

Membership brings direct, tangible benefits that help your business compete, connect and grow. Scroll down to read more about the unique benefits of Foundry and Supplier membership of the CMF.

Full Foundry membership of the CMF is open to companies operating UK foundry facilities of any size, from niche and jobbing foundries to major manufacturing groups supplying global markets.

As a CMF Foundry Member, you gain access to a powerful network, shared knowledge, and a collective voice influencing the policies and decisions that shape our industry.

Influence and representation

• Representation at national and international levels, promoting and protecting your interests with government departments, regulators and industry bodies.
• A single, authoritative voice influencing and informing legislation that affects the casting and wider metals sectors.
• Membership of the European Foundry Association (CAEF) and the UK Metals Council, ensuring UK views are heard on international policy and standards.

Standards, compliance & regulation

• Advice line for environmental, Standards and compliance enquiries.
• Regular updates on legislation, Standards, and compliance matters.
• Discounted access to purchase British and International Standards.
• Opportunities to contribute to specialist committees and working groups.

Business and operational support

• Advice line for health & safety, technical, and industry enquiries.
• Discounted membership of the industry’s national health and safety initiative, SHIFT.
• Free health & safety training (one session per annum, with additional sessions at discount).
• Free business support line assisting with: employment & personnel; health & safety; commercial law; tax; VAT; PAYE and more.
• Competitive insurance and energy procurement services through trusted CMF partners.
• Regular market reports covering industry performance, global trends and opportunities.
• Discounts on purchases of British, European and International (BS, EN and ISO) Standards.
• Access to benchmarking, metal price watch data and cost trends to help you plan and compete.

Visibility and connections

• New business referrals and promotional via the online Find a Foundry service and inclusion in the Foundry Handbook.
• Networking and collaboration opportunities through regional and sector meetings, seminars and supplier visits.
• Participation in industry events and exhibitions, often at preferential member rates.
• Use of CMF’s Casting the Future educational kit for outreach and engagement.

Being part of CMF connects you to peers, expertise and influence that no individual company could achieve alone – helping you grow your business, your people and the reputation of UK casting worldwide.

Full membership is open to supplier companies with a UK manufacturing facility, and subscriber membership to those without a UK base.

As a CMF Supplier Member, you join a dynamic network of equipment, consumables and service providers working alongside UK foundries to strengthen and advance the national casting industry.

Industry access and visibility

• Promote your business through our online Find a Supplier directory and wider online presence.
• Networking opportunities with over 100 foundry members producing around 80% of UK castings output.
• Invitations to sector and regional meetings, often combined with foundry visits and supplier presentations.
• Preferential exhibition and event participation rates.
• Opportunity to share expertise and showcase innovation through CMF communications and case studies.

Business development and market insight

• Free business support line assisting with: employment & personnel; health & safety; commercial law; tax; VAT; PAYE and more.
• Access to CMF’s energy and insurance partners for competitive commercial rates.
• Updates and guidance on sustainability, health & safety and environmental legislation.
• Monthly and quarterly market reports providing up-to-date industry intelligence, sector trends and export opportunities.
• Marketing and statistical information to inform business strategy.
• Early insight into technology and regulatory changes shaping customer needs.

Support and representation

• A strong, unified voice representing suppliers and foundries alike to government and international trade bodies.
• Participation in technical, training and cost committees to influence industry direction.

By joining CMF, suppliers become part of the ecosystem that keeps the UK casting industry at the forefront of global manufacturing — gaining visibility, credibility and access to the customers and partners that matter most.