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A bit of history
The tradition of foundry industry in the
Czech Republic goes back to the ancient past. After the World
War II, in the period of industrialisation of Czechoslovakia,
there was an increased demand of higher weight castings by
the national heavy industry. During this period numerous new
foundries were built and others where modernised to reach
a production output of more than 1.5 million tons. This equals
almost 120 kg per head, perhaps the highest per head production
in the world. Up to 1989 all castings were manufactured for
the Czech market. After the decay of the CAMECON markets the
production fell drastically to only 30% of previously built
capacity. Today, the Czechs are looking forward to the opening
of new international markets to once again boost their production
and prosperity.
Foundry Industry in figures (2002 data)
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Production
Iron castings
Steel castings
-Aluminium
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480 000 tonnes
340 000 tonnes
10 tonnes
40 000 tonnes
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Number of plants
Employment
Privatisation
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154
21 000 jobs
over 90 % in private ownership
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Export
countries by order
of importance
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70%
Germany, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, UK, Scandinavian
countries, USA, Canada
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Current situation
In 2002, production fell by 6.5% compared
with 2001. This drop is mainly due to reduction in production
of Iron castings that have fallen by 30 000 tons, as well
as a slight fall back in malleable iron and steel castings.
On the other hand ductile iron and non ferrous alloy production
grew slightly during the period. This increase is mostly due
to parts destined to the automotive industry.
Exports represent 70 % of production, the
vast majority being aluminium parts. Those are mostly sold
as semi finished items, not as complete products where the
added value is much higher.
Industry profile
Foundries and pattern shops are already
mostly privatised. The level of their mechanisation varies.
Some castings are now produced by means of advanced technologies
on automatic moulding lines, as well as on dedicated moulding
lines. Many of the foundries include well equiped laboratories.
CAD/CAM is increasingly used for manufacturing patterns, either
internally or in independent pattern shops. Quality control
systems ISO 9000 and 14000 have been introduced into a number
of foundries.
Foundry education and apprenticeships has
been neglected in the rush for short term profits. This is
now becoming a critical issue for the Czech foundry industry's
competitiveness on the long term. Once this problem has been
solved the industry will be in a stronger position in a market
that is becoming increasingly competitive.
The Foundry Association of the Czech Republic
The association was founded in 1990 as an
association of foundries, pattern shops, trade organisations,
research and design institutes and foundry departments of
universities. It promotes its member organisations and organises
education of workers. For its members it publishes regular
topical 'news and information" on all problems within
its field of interest. For the general professional public
it publishes magazines with technical-economic information.
The published directory enables fast orientation
among foundries, pattern shops, and trade organisations, with
information on production, level of technology and control.
For further information please contact the office of the Foundry
Association of the Czech Republic.
The Association of Foundries of the Czech
Republic
Technicka 2
616 00 Brno
tel : 00 420 5 41142642
fax: 00 420 5 41142644
email : svaz@svazslevaren.cz
www.svazslevaren.cz
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Technopole de l'Aube
BP 601
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Contact : Michel Portal
Tel:+33-(0)3 25 82 84 84
Fax:+33-(0)3 25 49 33 15
contact@SubcontractSolutions.com |
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