It’s always frustrating to run across an article in the mainstream media that breezily references the U.S. metalcasting industry, or manufacturing in general, as an endangered species, so a recent Popular Mechanics article that takes an opposite stance is worth mentioning.

Caterpillar and Case IH both are featured in the article, which touts five American manufacturing facilities that are experiencing success despite foreign competition. That these two companies were included echoes the strong casting forecasts for farm equipment and mining machinery industries.

The gist of the article is that it’s not time to write the epitaph for American manufacturing just yet. U.S. businesses still hold advantages in expertise, innovation, flexibility and speed.

When the magazine staff visits end-user trade shows, it’s not uncommon to hear the comment, “I didn’t think there were any U.S. metalcasters left.” But this industry, like the rest of U.S. manufacturing is still alive and kicking.