Longevity

20 years ago there were 8,000 foundries in North America, today there are less than 3,000! Ensure the foundry has some history and stability. There is no substitute for experience!

Management

A successful foundry retains its employees providing continuity to its customers. It grooms long term, capable staff to manage equipment installations, government compliance activities, quality systems, human resource development, and most importantly, customer relations and service.

Financial Health and Growth

Ensure the foundry is financially secure and confirm that they pay their indebtedness promptly. Check with the foundry's suppliers for confirmation. Confirm your foundry is continually re-investing in up-to-date technology for continued growth and prosperity.

Product Liability Coverage

Ensure the foundry has adequate liability insurance for the product they supply you and that their premises are fully sprinklered (for fire suppression) to protect your tooling assets.

Quality

Determine if the foundry has a documented quality management system (e.g. ISO 9000 or QS 9000). Foundries without accredited quality systems normally have higher reject rates and questionable customer service.

Check Out the Foundry

Ask to speak to the foundry's top three customers. Ask for contacts and phone numbers and seek out the truth!

Qualify the Foundry

Ensure the foundry is competitive and comfortable manufacturing the type of casting you require and that they understand your expectations and requirements.

Lead Times and Deliveries

Ensure the foundry has acceptable lead times. Check what their maximum lead-time and on-time delivery rate has been in recent history and that they have spare capacity to meet increased economic activity. Ideally, the foundry should publicize lead times and keep them current on their website location.

Confirm your Decision

There is no better way to assess a foundry than visiting it personally. A visit is worth a million words!