At last week’s annual North American Metalcasting Congress, the mood was more than just optimistic. Folks were ready to become involved again or for the first time. For the last few years, metalcasters, like many of its end-users, have been keeping their heads down, casting to the grinding wheel, striving to make it past the last recession in one, solvent piece.

Last year, everyone caught their breath. This year, they are ready to start thinking long-term again.

Most of my discussions with attendees at the Metalcasting Congress in Columbus, Ohio, last week centered on businesses’ and individuals’ plans for more investment in methods to improve operations, more research and development of casting technology, more involvement in industry committees and organizations, more metrics and analysis applied to pricing and cost estimating, and more emphasis on safety and ergonomics.

It was refreshing to hear the renewed vigor in everyone’s voices now that the value of investing in the health of the industry is considered to be worth the time, effort and talent. I think it could be an indication of great metalcasting advancements coming on the horizon.