The Cast Metals Federation (CMF) has welcomed the publication of the UK Steel Strategy and the clear intent it shows to support domestic manufacturing.
Policy backing for UK manufacturing is essential to strengthen the resilience of national supply chains, in which metal casting and foundries play a vital role. CMF members supply high-quality, advanced cast components to sectors including defence, aerospace, automotive and renewables, helping to underpin many of the UK’s industrial priorities.
CMF said that action on industrial energy costs remains the critical issue if the UK is serious about building long-term manufacturing resilience. While the support announced so far is valued by larger firms, more effective help is still needed for smaller businesses across the industry.
The Federation noted that the Strategy acknowledges the challenge of high energy costs and outlines work carried out to date, but believes a new and more effective approach is now needed to reduce the cost burden on energy-intensive businesses.
CMF is also concerned that foundries were largely omitted from the proposed list of supported sectors in the recent British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS). If that position is not changed in the final proposals, it would represent a serious setback for the industry and weaken the wider UK manufacturing base.
Commenting on the Strategy, CMF Chief Executive Lee Marshall said: “The ambition of the Steel Strategy is welcomed, and the acknowledgement that manufacturing in the UK needs to be better supported is a positive step forward. But while the Strategy identifies energy costs as a key challenge, it does not yet offer the new solutions our industry needs.
“Foundries cast advanced and innovative parts and components and can continue to be a great UK manufacturing success story if energy costs can be reduced. The BICS could help with that, but foundries must be included if they are to play their full part in delivering the ambitions set out in the Steel Strategy.”
CMF also welcomed the Strategy’s focus on skills, saying it is important that the metal casting sector continues to attract talent and encourage more early-career entrants into the industry.
