The 71st World Foundry Congress has been celebrated recently in the city of Bilbao (Spain). It has turned out to be a remarkable support for the casting industry, both in terms of the high quality of the various activities organized during this intensive week as well as by the considerable attendance of technicians and specialists from more than 45 nationalities. The World Foundry Congress is a technical event promoted by the World Foundry Organization which takes place on a bi-annual basis in different locations around the world, being a real privilege for Bilbao to host this year’s edition. The 71st WFC was even more special due to the fact that 1979 was the last time that the World Foundry Congress came to Spain. Nagoya (Japan), Krakow-Warsaw (Poland), Sao Paulo (Brazil), South Korea, and Australia will be the next countries to host this relevant technical event. Organized by the Tabira Foundry Institute (Spanish representative of the WFO) and by the Metallurgical Research Centre IK4-AZTERLAN, the Congress has counted with an outstanding programme of activities. Highlights included four keynote lectures in significant areas for the sector, technical sessions in six simultaneous rooms, working sessions with young researchers, industrial visits to national companies and universities, the International Foundry Exhibition, an International Casting Buyers’ Forum and several B2B meetings between important European multinational companies and Spanish foundry suppliers, in addition to the participation of casting buyers and technicians from key sectors and international business delegations, among others. This global networking frame allowed attendees to interact and to have access to the latest developments and innovations associated to foundry technology, with the opportunity to have a direct contact as well with the industrial and technological capabilities of the hosting country. Under the theme of “Advanced Sustainable Foundry”, international experts have made Bilbao a worldwide reference for the casting industry. Around 1,100 professionals from more than 45 countries have taken part in this extraordinary event to share the latest advances and technological developments from the sector, in a specialized environment which reveals the real needs, demands and trends of the global foundry industry. Technicians and specialists from companies, technological centres and universities have taken an active role in the Congress with the presentation of technical papers. Over the course of three full working days, more than 200 high quality works, covering nine different topics, were shared as part of the technical programme. The 71st World Foundry Congress has strongly promoted the participation of young researchers and university students in their last years of study, as part of the present and future of the industry. Young people from companies and universities of more than 15 countries have had the opportunity to present and to share their investigation work as well as to participate in various working frames of the Congress.

A specific working programme was designed for young participants, with activities that included special technical sessions, a young student seminar (where some national and international universities presented their capacities and working lines), industrial visits, meetings with local universities, etc. The 71st World Foundry Congress has counted with the collaboration and involvement of the foundry industry, both in terms of sponsorship and by the active level of participation in the exhibition and in the own Congress activities. The International Foundry Exhibition has become one of the main meeting points for technicians and foundry experts, where 75 companies have been involved showing their capabilities and promoting their image on an international level. The Industrial Visits (10 different programmed tours) have awoken a great deal of interest among the attendees. Almost 200 people have taken part in the various itineraries which incorporated production plants, equipment manufacturers, knowledge centres and universities. The visits are a unique opportunity to have a direct contact with the hosting country´s industrial and technological capabilities, alongside the knowledge of highly-qualified professionals. With the aim of boosting the future of the sector and offering first hand information regarding market trends and demands, a Casting Buyers’ Forum was coordinated within the official Congress programme. This important activity was targeted to analyze and to open novel potential markets, as well as to sthrengthen relationships with possible new customers. More than sixty professionals from the foundry industry took part in this Forum, sharing interests with buyers from a prominent number of well-known international companies that have shared their needs and requirements for cast components, offering as well key information regarding future developments and working lines. During the Inbound Comercial Mission organised by FUNDIGEX, international buyers have had the chance to gain a deeper insight into the Spanish foundry industry through private B2B meetings, with the opportunity to establish future commercial relationships and make headway in unknown markets. The 71st World Foundry Congress has also benefited from an interesting Social Programme, targeted to generate personal and professional relationships as well as to increase the country’s visibility and show the visitor the social and cultural realities.

Organization

The World Foundry Congress is an event promoted by the World Foundry Organization. The 71st edition of this international working frame has been organized by the Tabira Foundry Institute and by the Metallurgical Research Centre IK4-AZTERLAN. The World Foundry Organization is an international body founded in 1923 with the aim of improving the technical and strategic cooperation among the different agents involved in

the foundry sector. The main role of this important international professional network is the collaboration, the creation of frameworks and the dissemination of technical, technological and economic information among its 32 country members. It acts as a meeting point where its associates can share and have access to the latest developments and technological innovations related to the foundry industry. The Tabira Foundry Institute is a technical organization representing the technical and technological aspects of the Spanish foundry industry. The main aim of Tabira is to develop and share knowledge in foundry technology and to offer an effective response to the current needs and requirements from the sector. The Institute is the Spanish representative of the WFO and focuses its main activities on coordinating meetings and high added value frameworks such as forums, working groups, technical seminars, training, …… etc, acting as well as an active link within the WFO and some other international professional networks. IK4-AZTERLAN is a metallurgical technical centre with more than 35 years experience, specialized in metallurgy investigation and metallic materials knowledge. The centre has a workforce of 110 highly-qualified professionals, with two main activity lines: the development of applied research projects and the provision of advanced technological services (advanced material structural characterization, tests, failure analysis and in service behaviour, process improvement plans, ….. etc) Likewise, the 71st World Foundry Congress has had the collaboration and involvement of a number of relevant agents related to the foundry sector from the industry: Casting Exporters’ Association of Spain (FUNDIGEX), Spanish Federation of Foundry Associations (FEAF), Basque Automotive Cluster (ACICAE), Bilbao Chamber of Commerce, from the main technological agents: IK4 Research Alliance, Edertek, National Centre of Metallurgical Research (CENIM), Tecnalia and from relevant education agents: University of the Basque Country, Mondragon University, Deusto University, Polytechnic University of Catalonia, Barcelona Tech, ….).

Congress Committees

The organization of a worldwide event of these characteristics has required the setting up of various working Committees. The Scientific Committee deserves a special mention with several working sessions in order to define the main guidelines of the technical contents expected for the 71st World Foundry Congress. The working lines of the Scientific Committee have been orientated towards the identification of the topics and main working fields which have formed the basis for the technical sessions, the design and follow up of the official “Call for Papers” process, as well as the evaluation of the numerous proposals received, along with the final selection of papers for the definitive technical programme of the Congress. Well-known national and international specialists and experts from the industry and from numerous technological knowledge centres and universities, have been part of this important Committee: Dr. Doru Stefanescu Faculty Emeritus, Material Science Engineering at OHIO UNIVERSITY (USA)

Dr. Jaques Lacaze Former member of the Governing and Scientific Council of the INSTITUT NATIONAL POLYTECHNIQUE OF TOULOUSE (France)

Dr. Dierk Hartmann Professor for materials science and technlogy at the UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCE, KEMPTEN (Germany)

Mr. Michael Garat Former R&D Manager at RIO TINTO ALCAN (France) Mr. Per Rolf Roland Former VESTAS Vicepresident of Technology. WFO Past President (Norway)

Dr. José Luis Arana Metallurgy Dean at ETSIIB, UNIVERSITY OF THE BASQUE COUNTRY (UPV-EHU)

Mr. Ramón Suárez Engineering, R&D and Metallurgical Processes Manager at IK4-AZTERLAN

Mr. Julián Izaga Innovation and Technology Manager at IK4-AZTERLAN

Dr. Juan José Damborenea CSIC Professor and Researcher. European Federation of Materials Executive Member

Dr. Susana Méndez Corrosion and Protection Department Coordinator at IK4-AZTERLAN

Dr. Zigor Azpilgain Coordinator of Automotive Investigation at MONDRAGON UNIVERTSITATEA

Dr. Jordi Tartera Professor from the Department of Material Science and Metallurgical at the POLITECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF CATALONIA

Dr. Ana Fernández Director of the Aluminium Department at IK4-AZTERLAN

Mr. Patxi Rodríguez Director of Materials and Associated Technologies at EDERTEK

Mr. Gorka Zarrabeitia Engineering & Foundry Department at IK4-AZTERLAN

Mr. Javier Laucirika Director of IK4 Scientific Council

Dr. José Ignacio Erausquin Main researcher Industry & Transport at TECNALIA. Professor at the SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING, UNIVERSITY OF VITORIA (UPV-EHU)

Commitment from the Foundry Industry

The foundry industry has shown its compromise and involvement in the Congress by an active participation in all the activities and established working frames. In addition, a group of companies which decided to support the 71st World Foundry Congress warrant a particular recognition. Their commitment went beyond sponsoring the Congress itself, showing their support and compromise to the future of the foundry sector: ASK CHEMICALS ASK Chemicals is the main worldwide foundry supplier of chemical products in the auxiliary foundry materials field. The company is active in 25 countries with an estimated workforce of more than 1800 employees. LORAMENDI S. Coop. Loramendi is a worldwide reference in vertical molding and core making machines for foundry. More than thirty years of experience endorse a company which is specialized in the manufacturing of capital goods for this complex sector, providing advanced and tailor-made solutions for the different requirements of foundries.

AURRENAK S. Coop. A thirty-five year history has consolidated Aurrenak as a leading company in the design and manufacturing of tooling for the iron and aluminium foundry industries, among others. The company has a clear international vision with export rates of 85 percent of its sales.

FOSECO Foseco is the foundry division of Vesuvius and has almost 80 years of experience and is based in more than 30 countries. The company offers a comprehensive range of foundry consumables and equipment for steel, iron and non ferrous foundries, backed up by strong process knowledge and application expertise. INSERTEC Insertec benefits from over 30 years of experience in the design and manufacturing of industrial furnaces as well as supplying refractory products. It also provides advanced refractory solutions which respond to the various needs of the industry, primarily related to iron, steel, aluminium and other non-ferrous cast materials, as well as companies involved in the heat treatment, steelwork, glass and cement, among others. INDUCTOTHERM Inductotherm is the world leader in the induction technology. The company designs and manufactures advanced melting, heating, holding and pouring systems for all kind of metals and materials processing including, gray and ductile iron, steel, copper and copper-based alloys, aluminum, zinc, reactive metals, precious metals, silicon, and graphite heating, as well as numerous other special applications. HÜTTENES-ALBERTUS Hüttenes-Albertus is the leading international manufacturer of chemical products for the foundry industry. It currently provides cutting edge molding and core making equipment closely developed with foundries and is represented in more than 30 countries.

Two financial entities supported as well the 71st World Foundry Congress and showed their compromise and support to the industry: SANTANDER BANK and CAIXA BANK.

71st World Foundry Congress Activity Programme

A large variety of activities have been included in the programme for this key foundry industrial event, taking place between the 17th and the 22nd of May 2014. A summary with the most relevant information is described into detail:

A summary with the most relevant information is described into detail:

Congress Technical Programme

The essence and identity of the World Foundry Congress is based on the interest of its technical contents. The Organising Committee of the 71st World Foundry Congress has worked tirelessly in close collaboration with the Scientific Committee to guarantee the highest quality of this event.

The Technical Programme of the Congress started with four keynote lectures provided by four international well-known and recognized speakers in the areas of innovation, environment, market trends and demands, and energy.

In addition, a full programme of Technical Sessions has taken place simultaneously in six different rooms, where 180 oral presentations and 13 posters were displayed.

As a novel initiative and for the first time in the history of the World Foundry Congresses, young researchers of different nationalities have had an active participation in the Congress with their own conference room and technical sessions programme.

During three days, the latest developments and technological innovations were displayed through 200 presentations, divided into nine different topics and presented by authors of more than 35 nationalities.

The proposals were impressive not only in terms of quantity, but also by the quality and practical vision of those topics and works presented to the audience.

The technical documentation of the 71st World Foundry Congress (“Congress proceedings”) has been shared among the attendees, who from now on will hold the tools to continue with their studies and further push the boundaries in the technological and competitive development of their companies.

The official “Congress Proceedings” can be purchased through the Tabira Foundry Institute or the through the own General Secretariat of the World Foundry Organization.

Keynote Lectures Four international experts participated in the plenary session of Keynote Lectures which took place after the opening ceremony of the 71st World Foundry Congress. The topics presented have been of a great interest to the sector.

“Technological Innovation in the Foundry Industry” Mr. Hiroyoshi Kimura. Chairman of KIMURA CHOZUSCHO Co. Ltd. (Japan) President of the Japanese Foundry Society

Kimura Chuzosho Co. Ltd is an independent Japanese company, famous worldwide for its continued innovation and process developments. In the last 50 years, the corporation has been specialized in the manufacturing of big size cast components through the “Full Mould Process” or lost foam casting.

Mr. Kimura presented the different development stages of the company and the key technology factors that have allowed his business group to become a leading company within this casting technology. A detailed description of the main steps taken by the company into the serialized and competitive production of large castings through this manufacturing technology.

The company policy of staff qualification and training, their effort and continuous work in their own internal research projects along with the constant process improvement (optimizing the mechanical properties of the cast materials, self-developments in coatings, introduction of information technologies in design and process, incorporation of synthetic sand, development of internal cooling system for moulds, environmental improvements in the casting process, additive manufacturing, ……..etc.) are some of the key factors in the success of the important group of foundries Kimura Chozuscho Co. Ltd.

The company is a clear role model for innovation and ongoing improvement, having taken advantage of the periods of economical crisis to focus on the development of the technology and their employees’ capabilities in the complex big size casting foundry process.

Mr. Hiroyoshi Kimura. KIMURA CHOUZOSHO Co. Ltd. (Japan)

“A Foundry with a Vision. Latest environmental and technical developments in the production of cast components” Mr. Mikael Johansson Manager Business Office Industrial Development VOLVO GROUP Trucks Operations Powertrain Production, Skövde (Sweden) Environmental policies are more important than ever, not only due to the need to comply with legislation, but also as a decisive and stand-alone element in the process which carries important economic and competitive advantages. The new Volvo foundry plant located in Skövde (Sweden) is a clear example and a worldwide reference in the subject, due to its transformation into a role model with regards to the environment and energy efficiency. The Volvo group’s vision and its aim to become a worldwide leader in advanced and sustainable transport solutions has filtered through into each and every one of its sectors, including the casting activities of the group. The extraordinary presentation of Mr. Johansson helped attendees to understand the advantage of these new facilities and the revolutionary manufacturing process known as Future Process Casting (FPC). This technology, developed and patented by AB Volvo, allows the optimized production of cylinder heads through a system which ameliorates the mechanical properties of the material, improving the obtained strength values between 10 percent and 15 percent. Benefits are also visible in the machining operations, reducing emissions and energy consumption by almost 50 percent. The optimization of energy used in these facilities features a heating system fed by heat recovered from the process itself, with clear environmental advantages – recovery of 85 percent of the core sand used, an atmosphere free of bentonite particles, noise and emission control, ….. etc.)

Mr. Mikael Johansson. VOLVO GROUP (Sweden)

“Evolving Global Automotive Industries – Status & Expectations” Prof. Peter N. C. Cooke. Emeritus Professor, University of Buckingham, United Kingdom

The automotive industry is known as the main customer sector for the foundry industry. Gaining deeper knowledge of its current situation and future demands, in addition to its market prospects, means obtaining privileged information and a competitive advantage for foundries in order to adapt their production and management policies to future automotive sector demands.

Prof. Cooke shared some key factors and trends in the automotive sector. His presentation featured a global analysis which pointed out an increase in production capacity and the setting up of assembly plants in countries with a high demand for vehicles and low production costs. Such countries and continents include China, India, South America, Russia, where this kind of product tends to be homogenized in the design, fixtures and costs, even though every area maintains its own characteristics and different maturity stages. For the next seven years, a considerable growth is expected in worldwide production, based on the demand of the abovementioned countries. The competitive situation of some countries also deserves special mention as they will help to define the present and future of the sector (Mexico has a lower average production cost than China, with Brazil being one of the most expensive countries, and Eastern Europe in a similar situation regarding costs to the United States). The clear tendency to demand not only parts but subassemblies, the recovery of the used vehicles market, the increase in associated services offered by car manufacturers (funding, maintenance, extra guarantee, insurance, etc.), are also some of the factors to be considered by this dynamic sector.

Prof. Peter N. C. Cooke. BUCKINGHAM UNIVERSITY (United Kingdom)

“Energy and Competitiveness. From Global to Local” Mr. Eloy Álvarez Pelegry. Head of Energy Department, ORKESTRA – Basque Institute of Competitiveness The complexity of the actual energy market and the energy dependency of the foundry sector for its industrial activity have been fundamental when choosing this topic to be included as one of the keynote lectures of the 71st World Foundry Congress. Mr Pelegry has carried out an exhaustive analysis of the global energy situation and the generation, distribution and associated costs of future demands, even though the trend continues to demonstrate a growth in both, a growth in demand and an increase in associated costs and therefore in prices. Fossil fuels and coal will still play a significant role in the near future, with an increase in the natural gas market. The development of renewable energies will basically depend on the stance that each government will take on the issue. The worldwide price of energy will vary according to the mix used during energy generation (e.g. conventional gas in the USA), although the general generation trend shows a progressive increase in energies with low CO2 emissions. Legislation on energy and environmental policies will continue to play an instrumental role in price, even though future efforts must be orientated to improve the energy efficiency of manufacturing processes as a way to stand out against competitors. Having the latest information regarding future energy scenarios and forthcoming market trends will be instrumental in optimizing consumption and improving the competitiveness of companies in the foundry sector.

Mr. Eloy Álvarez Pelegry. Basque Institute of Competitiveness ORKESTRA

Technical Sessions Programme

The selection stage for submissions began in March 2013 with the official “Call for Papers” process. From that point onwards, around 300 proposals were received and accepted by the International Scientific Committee for their further analysis and evaluation. The second stage started with authors sending in their definitive proposals for papers. Finally, after an evaluation done by the panel of experts based on different variables such as innovation, applicability, impact and originality, the Scientific Committee selected 180 works and 13 posters which divided into nine areas of application, have formed the final technical programme of the 71st World Foundry Congress. In total, 185 authors from foundries, technological centres, auxiliary sector and supplier companies and universities have taken part in the official Technical Programme of the Congress. Non Ferrous Materials and Light Alloys, Cast Iron and Foundry Technologies have been the issues that have generated a greater number of developments and innovations presented.

The Organization has highlighted the quality and the good technical level of the papers presented, in addition to the interesting technical discussions and the active participation seen in the different working sessions. The above mentioned aspects combined with the strong attendance for each of the sessions organized, have been essential factors in the success of the 71st World Foundry Congress.

Official speakers at the 71st World Foundry Congress

The 71st World Foundry Congress has had a specific area dedicated to the presentation of posters, which received an enthusiastic response from those in attendance.

Papers poster display

Extraordinary affluence and participation of technicians in the different sessions

Best Paper Awards

As a token of special recognition, the World Foundry Organization has selected the three best technical papers presented within the 71st World Foundry Congress programme. This prizes and specific recognitions are sponsored by the company Hüttenes-Albertus, being officially recognized the following works:

The winner of the “Best Paper Award” was Mrs. Dana Cooper of Fairmount Minerals Ltd, Benton Harbor, Michigan, USA, for the work “Sustainability is the Key Driver of Innovation”.

The second Best Paper Award was given to Mr. Jaime Prat of the company ASK Chemicals, Spain, for the work “Net/Gross yield optimization on high value added steel castings”. This study features the collaboration of the company FONDESAL and the Metallurgical Research Centre, IK4-Azterlan.

Finally, the third Best Paper Award was proposed to the work “Active cooling of resin bonded moulds to reduce the cooling time of heavy-section castings without loss of casting quality”, presented by Mr. Ulrich Petzschmann, IfG – Institut für Giessereitchnik, Düsseldorf, Germany.

Young Researchers

On the premise that the future of the Foundry Industry relies on the knowledge and capabilities of new generations, the 71st World Foundry Congress Organizing Committee has been working alongside the University of Mondragon, the University of the Basque Country, AGH University of Science and Technology and Brno University, on a specific programme with the aim of engaging students, young researchers and PH students in this international working frame.

71st World Foundry Congress “Best Paper Awards”

The tailored working programme offered those young researchers the opportunity to play an active role and to present papers belonging to their own research works, that took place in their own specific Technical Session. A Young Students’ Seminar was also organized and featured the participation of speakers and local and international students from China, Japan, Denmark, Poland, South Korea, Finland, Italy, Germany, the USA, Spain, etc. In addition, an industrial visit itinerary was designed to showcase the technical departments of three local universities, and participants were also afforded the opportunity to make direct contact with the foundry industry through the exhibition environment and social events of the Congress. In total, 22 development works have been presented as part of this special programme by authors from China, Japan, South Korea, Italy, South Africa, Denmark, Germany, the United States and Spain, among other countries. Besides encouraging the participation of young professionals, the scope of the organisers has been to offer those researchers a conference room where they could share the results of their latest investigation in front of an international specialised audience. The experience of being an active part in an international event, understanding the work carried out by other technicians, and interacting on an international level has been of great interest for the young participants of the 71st World Foundry Congress Bilbao 2014.

Young researchers presenting their works in the official programme of the Congress

For the first time in the history of the World Foundry Congresses, the Organizing Committee and the World Foundry Congress have acknowledged the technical level and effort involved in the works presented by this group of young professionals. The “Best Young Researcher Award” has been given to Mr. Giovanni di Muoio from the company Global Castings A/S, Copenhagen, Denmark, for his paper “Critical Control Variables for the Coating Process of Furan Bonded Sand with Water Based Foundry Coatings”. A second accolade has been awarded to Garikoitz Artola of IK4-AZTERLAN, Durango, Spain, for his work “Fracture Characterization of New Generation Ferritic Spheoridal Cast Irons”.

Young Students’ Seminar The Young Students’ Seminar has been a meeting point where students of different nationalities exchanged experiences and information regarding their investigations and daily work, presenting as well among the audience their main activities at the different universities.

In total, more than 120 attendees from 30 centres and universities of various nationalities have taken part in this fascinating activity, which has successfully been included as part of the official programme of the 71st World Foundry Congress.

Initially, university students and teachers gave a brief introduction about their centres, the working technical lines developed as well as research work and the most significant projects carried out, showing themselves to be open to the possibility for international cooperation. The seminar was complemented by a training session delivered by three worldwide experts who offered keynote lectures in three topics related to advanced materials and foundry technologies:

“Best Young Researchers Award” handed over by the President of the World Foundry Organization Mr.Vinod Kapur

“Full mold process. An advanced casting technology” Dr. Yoya Fukuda Innovation Director at Kimura Chuzosho Co. Ltd. (Japan) “Nodular Iron, a material for the future” Dr. Doru Stefanescu Faculty Emeritus, Material Science Engineering Ohio University (USA) “Manufacturing of structural parts by the High Pressure Die Casting technology” Dr. Ana Fernández Director of Aluminium Department IK4-AZTERLAN (Spain)

The World Foundry Organization has viewed the positive experience as a pioneering example for subsequent events and believes it to be worthwhile continuing along the lines set in place in Bilbao 2014. The Organization is already working alongside the Organizing Committee of the 72nd World Foundry Congress Nagoya 2016 in order to encourage the involvement and participation of “young talented researchers” in the next event.

Young Students’ Seminar featuring the participation of young people from 20 countries

International Foundry Exhibition

The International Foundry Exhibition has been one of the main activities of the 71st World Foundry Congress. The fair was conceived as a crossroads where national and international companies of the sector could present and share their latest innovations, products and services in a technical environment. A total of 75 companies have been represented in an area of 1,000 sqm at the Euskalduna Conference Centre. The Organising Committee has strongly supported and promoted the presence of local agents through participation agreements with national corporations and business associations. Thanks to such efforts and cooperation, a large number of companies from different spheres (foundries, equipment suppliers, raw materials manufacturers, pattern makers, business engineering, technological centres, heat treatment and machining companies, laboratory equipment specialists, among others) have taken part in the International Foundry Exhibition, presenting their foundry expertise and knowledge.

Many leading companies have taken part in this exhibition area, such as: ASK Chemicals, Loramendi S. Coop., Aurrenak S. Coop., Foseco Española S.A., Insertec Hornos y Refractarios, Inductotherm, Hüttenes-Albertus, IK4-Azterlan, Arruti Aleaciones, Betsaide S.A.L., Deguisa, Ditemsa, Euskatfund, Eccomelt, ESI Group, Exone, Fagor Ederlan Group, Faro, ElliMazzon, Freeze Cast Europa, Fundiciones Garbi S.A., Furesa S. Coop., Gescarp, Guivisa S.L., Hermann Otto Suderow, Heinrich Wagner Sinto Maschinenfabrik, IFME-Imerys Foundry Minerals, Indefunsa S.A.L., ITMA, Jinan Shengquan Group, Kurtz Ersa, Küttner equipamientos, Labecast, Laempe & Mössner, Maschinenfabrik Gustav Eirich, Materialise, Messe Düsseldorf, Metronic, MWT Gesellschaft für Industrielle Rowellentechnick, Omega Foundry Machinery, Otto Junker, Paralab, Primafond, Saint-Gobain Abrasivos, Seba Componentes y Mecanizados, Seeif Ceramic, Simulaciones y Proyectos, Flow-3D Cast, Spectro, Targi Kielce, Tecnalia, Thermo Scientific, Toscelik Granul Sanayi, Tratamientos Térmicos Iurreta, Vitex Abrasivos, World Foundry Organization, Banco Santander, La Caixa, Casting Area, Castings S.A., FundiPress, Dyna, China Foundry, Foundry Gate, Foundry Planet, Foundry Review, Foundry Trade Journal, FSC, Giesseri Praxis, Giesserei Rundschau, Modern Casting, Przeglad Odlewnictwa and the journal Turnatorie, among others.

The International Foundry Exhibition has been a crossroads for establishing professional and commercial relationships at the 71

st World Foundry Congress

Special mention to the active presence of the World Foundry Organization with an own stand of 24 sqm that gave a proper image of the organization in one the most important international casting events.

The main objectives for this interesting proposal were among others:

• To count with a physical space for international networking and interaction between technicians and Congress participants.

• An opportunity to provide news and latest information from the World Foundry Organization and from the different Member Countries (all WFO member countries had a physical space to share information about their activities or technical compromises).

• Meeting point for technicians and WFO Member Associations, with common meeting and resting facilities.

• Promotion of the world wide casting industry and image/value of the “WFO brand”.

• Possibility of holding certain activities for small audiences (a promotional video about the casting industry was projected in this space during the congress).

WFO stand in the 71

st World Foundry Congress

International Casting Buyers’ Forum

The programme of activities at the 71st World Foundry Congress Bilbao 2014 included several events geared towards the promotion of the capabilities and technology level of the national foundry sector, as well as an inbound trade mission with potential international casting customers. The Organizing Committee of the 71st World Foundry Congress established the I International Casting Buyers Forum with the clear aim of offering foundries relevant information regarding medium and long-term purchasing trends and demands from a group of important European companies, as well as the requirements that international casting buyers look to fulfill when choosing suppliers. The Forum also served as a springboard for reaching new trade and collaboration agreements which will result in a wider range of clients for foundries.

Organized in collaboration with the Spanish Association of Foundry Exporters (FUNDIGEX) and the Spanish Federation of Foundry Associations (FEAF), the Casting Buyer´s Forum counted with the participation of relevant companies such as VOLVO CAR CORPORATION and SCANIA CV AB, among others.

The event was attended by over sixty professionals from various areas of the foundry industry. It has without a doubt proved fruitful both for foundries, from the perspective of market trends and future lines of business, and for buyers, who have gained a deeper and more realistic insight into the national market and its potential.

Participation of relevant casting buyer companies in the 71st World Foundry Congress

Inbound Commercial Mission

The International Casting Buyers’ Forum has also included personal face to face meetings with a selected group of purchasing companies based overseas which formed the basis of the Inbound Commercial Mission.

Eight foreign multinational companies were invited to take part in this event within the second day of activities of the 71st World Foundry Congress, alongside with the participation of seventeen local foundries.

In total, more than 50 interviews were set up with potential Spanish casting suppliers who specialize in all types of materials and processes.

These face to face meetings allowed the casting buyers to explain the specific requirements of their company with the common goal of reaching commercial and financial agreements.

B2B meetings between foundries and international casting buyers

Invited companies have a high profile on an international level and have come from different European countries such as France, Germany, Sweden, Denmark and Italy – considered as preferential markets for the local foundry sector. Regarding the profile of participants, these multinational companies have been represented by key “decision makers” from their purchasing departments.

The following companies were present in the search for casting suppliers:

VOLVO CAR COORPORATION (SWEDEN) OEM - Car manufacturer (interested in Aluminium HPDC and gravity castings)

SCANIA CV AB (SWEDEN) Powertrain (interested in Aluminium HPDC castings)

KNORR – BREMSE TRACK DIVISION (GERMANY) Leading manufacturer of braking systems for rail and industrial vehicles (interested in Grey Iron, Nodular Iron and Aluminium castings)

WÄRTSILÄ SVANEHØJ A/S (DENMARK) Well pumps for offshore and naval applications (interested in Steel and Stainless Steel castings)

TMD FRICTION (LUXEMBOURG) Brake components manufacturer (interested in nodular iron castings)

ALSTOM POWER SYSTEM SA - PUMPS BERGERON (FRANCE) Pumps, hydraulic systems and pumping stations for power plants (interested in Grey Iron, Nodular Iron, Carbon Steel, Low and High Alloyed Steels, Stainless Steels, Copper, Aluminium and Bronze castings)

ARC INTERNATIONAL (FRANCE) Glass tableware (interested in Grey Iron and Aluminium castings)

COMECEL SRL (ITALY) Railway spare parts (interested in Nodular Iron, Aluminium and Bronze castings)

SIAD MACCHINE IMPIANTI S.P.A (ITALY) Air and gas compressors for a wide range of applications and sectors (interested in Grey Iron, Carbon Steel, Low and High Alloyed Steels, and Stainless Steel components) Both parties were surveyed after taking part in this interesting initiative. The resultshave been very positive and indicate that they hope to continue negotiations and formalize a business relationship in 40% of cases. This feedback validates our high expectations and the level of interest taken in the event.

Industrial Visits

Another of the strategic frameworks of the 71st World Foundry Congress has been the Industrial Visits programme.

For this purpose, a full day of the Congress has been dedicated to this important activity. The attendees had the opportunity to have direct contact and a first-hand look at the industrial structure, capabilities and technology level of the foundry industry from the hosting country. The Industrial Visits had a great response from professionals, with more than 200 participants in attendance.

The Congress organization offered the possibility of taking part in ten different itineraries which included visits to foundry plants with different manufacturing processes and materials such as cast iron, steel or aluminium foundries, among others. Participants also had the chance to visit research centres, pattern making, moulding and core making manufacturers and universities.

Professionals taking part in some of the Industrial Visits of the 71st World Foundry Congress

The itineraries for the Industrial Visits are detailed below:

Tour 1

FUCHOSA, S.L. Amorebieta and Atxondo, (Biscay)

Fuchosa S.L. is an European foundry leader producing safety parts for the automotive industry. The company is highly specialized in the serial production of anchors or disk brake supports for utilitarian cars, a component which is critical to safety and must therefore comply with stringent technical and mechanical demands.

This industrial group encompasses various technologies (iron casting, aluminium casting and machining) and also enjoys a privileged geographical location with a clear strategic orientation to the European Automotive Components Sector. This strategy involves leading the market, making the most of the technological, productive, cost and service-led synergies already in existence among its companies, and at the same time diversifying their technological and product portfolio. The industrial visit has given participants the chance to get a deeper insight of the technological and R+D capabilities of the company in its facilities of Amorebieta-Etxano, where more than 42 qualified professionals work in product development (from the prototype stage through to serial production). The visit has also included the company’s iron foundry in Atxondo. AUTOMOTIVE INTELLIGENCE CENTER Amorebieta, (Biscay) The AIC-Automotive Intelligence Center is a unique value-generation center for the automotive sector based on a concept of open innovation in which companies improve their competitiveness through cooperation.

Using a market-oriented approach, AIC integrates knowledge, technology and industrial development under one roof. It is managed by ACICAE-Basque Country Automotive Cluster and is located in Bilbao (Amorebieta-Etxano and Ermua). The AIC-Automotive Intelligence Center’s state-of-the-art facilities allow companies the opportunity to privately develop their activities while also sharing common areas for joint projects between various partners, looking for multidisciplinary work and coordination of highly qualified professionals.

Tour 2 FAGOR EDERLAN GROUP Eskoriatza, (Gipuzkoa) The visit has followed a programme designed to guide the visitors around Edertek, the group’s technology centre, Markulete Foundry (one of the group’s main foundries specialized in the manufacturing brake discs), along with the machining plant for all cast components. Fagor Ederlan is a leading group in the automotive sector. Its industrial activity is based on the manufacture of vehicle chassis and powertrain components and systems by means of technologies such as iron casting, aluminium casting, HPDC, machining and assembly. EDERTEK

Arrasate – Mondragon, (Gipuzkoa)

Edertek is the technology centre of the group. It plays an active role within the innovation network, holding technology and partnership agreements with the major technology centres in the field and leaders of the sector.

MARKULETE FOUNDRY Arrasate – Mondragon, (Gipuzkoa) The Markulete plant is a technologically advanced foundry. In operation since 2007, it incorporates modern facilities with a high level of automation. With a floor area of 15,902sqm and an annual cast iron production capacity of 35,000 tons, the plant is noted for its high level of automation and flexibility. Specialising in the manufacture of next generation brake discs, it is one of the group’s benchmark foundries. MARKULETE MACHINING PLANT Arrasate – Mondragon, (Gipuzkoa)

Fagor Ederlan manufactures more than 20 million machined components each year. The plant being visited, specializing in the machining of iron cast components, is the group’s benchmark machining plant. Its production is geared toward a comprehensive component solution, providing maximum added value with the integration of finishes and assembly of components being produced.

Tour 3 FUNDICIONES GARBI, S.A. Abadiano, (Biscay)

Fundiciones Garbi, S.A. is an iron foundry which dates back to 1972. The company is specialized in manufacturing a wide range of castings (nodular, vermicular, grey, ADI, SiMo, etc.) and weighing between 10 and 300 kg for short and medium runs. The company has solid experience working internationally and establishes close and reliable relationships with its customers. Fundiciones Garbi has a strong R&D activity, which enables the company to offer high quality castings at competitive prices.

The group has three production facilities - two in Abadiano and another one in Burgos. This means a complete offer to final customers that goes further on the own casting product, completely finished and machined, and even the assembly of subcomponents with a higher added value.

The export rate at Fundiciones Garbi, S.A. is currently around 35%, with clients from a wide range of sectors such as renewable energy, machinery for tools and agriculture, jacking, fluid pumps, vacuum pumps, marine engines, public works and the railway and automotive industries.

BETSAIDE, S.A.L. Elorrio, (Biscay)

Betsaide S.A.L. is a nodular and grey iron foundry specializes in medium and medium-long (500 units) run castings, ranging in weight between 200 grams to 20kg. The plant occupies an area of 26,000 square metres and the company has four different production facilities focused on manufacturing and finishing.

Betsaide S.A.L has a 330 high qualified workforce and a production rate of 68.000 Tn/year. It works with a wide range of materials and nodular, grey and ADI castings, in addition to offering heat treatments (normalising, cooling-quenching and austempering treatments among others).

The company also offers additional services involving surface coating, machining, assembly and subcomponents.

The foundry is based in Elorrio (Biscay) and has a portfolio of over 100 customers, responding to the demands of industries which require hydraulic accessories and components and the gas, agriculture, automotive and construction sectors. The export level at Betsaide, S.A.L is over 70% of its total production.

Tour 4 LORAMENDI S. COOP. Vitoria-Gasteiz, (Araba) Loramendi, S. Coop. is a company specialized in manufacturing foundry machinery equipment and is able to provide the client tailored solutions for core manufacturing and vertical moulding. It has over 40 years of experience in the sector. Nowadays Loramendi, S.Coop. is a worldwide reference for vertical molding technologies and core manufacturing machines, with export levels which exceed 95% and a portfolio worth around €59 million. The facilities cover 14,000 square meters and production is primarily geared towards sand core machinery, basic machinery or fully automated manufacturing cells, vertical molding lines, replacement parts and retrofitting service, among others. AURRENAK S. COOP. Vitoria-Gasteiz, (Araba)

Aurrenak has over 35 years of experience as part of the Mondragon Group. It is internationally renowned for the design, development and manufacturing of complex machinery and pattern tools for the iron and aluminium casting industry. Aurrenak, S. Coop. has a strong export vision and over 85% of sales are made overseas. The company markets a wide range of products which includes iron equipment (pattern plates, core boxes and assembly tools), injection molds (molds and deburring stamps), aluminium and low pressure molds (core boxes and molds) and aluminium gravity casting (molds, core boxes and molding machines). A team of over 100 dedicated professionals oversee a diverse production process which involves design, mechanization, measuring, assembly and prototype services.

Tour 5

IK4-AZTERLAN Durango, (Biscay)

IK4-AZTERLAN is a private Metallurgical Research Centre with more than 35 years of experience, specialized in metallurgy investigation and metallic materials knowledge.

The Knowledge Centre comprises a high qualified workforce of 110 professionals dedicated to six fundamental working lines: R&D and Metallurgical Processes, Engineering, Innovation and Technology, Technological Services, Sustainability & Environmental Control, Chemical and Mechanical Properties, Criogenic Treatments, Corrosion & Protection.

IK4-AZTERLAN facilities have 6,000 sqm with the latest cutting-edge technology to offer its more than 1,500 customers applied research, innovation and technology services for the metallurgical sector. In addition, the Centre offers a global service in different types of test, such as: chemical and corrosion test, physical and mechanical characteristics, non-destructive and structural characterization, defect analysis, cryogenic treatment as well as a foundry pilot plant, sample preparation capabilities and a machining workshop.

Since late 2011, IK4-AZTERLAN belongs to the IK4 Research Alliance.

TECNALIA San Sebastian, (Gizpuzkoa)

TECNALIA is a technology corporation set up in 2001 with the principal aim of contributing to the development of the economic and social environment. It achieves this through the use and promotion of technological innovation by developing and disseminating research in an international context. The technical centre to be visited is located in Miramón, San Sebastián, and was the headquarters of INASMET, a cofounder of TECNALIA. The centre focuses its activities on material technologies, its transformation processes and its environmental adjustment. Its scope is increasing the competitiveness of its customers and cooperative companies through innovation and technological development processes, in order to contribute to economical and social development. The main technological areas of the centre are materials and its processes, chemical and environment technologies, test and material characterization, product engineering and management and technological innovation, among others.

Tour 6 GERDAU GROUP Reinosa, (Cantabria) Gerdau Reinosa is one of the most important steel foundries in Europe. A company founded in 1918 and that nowadays belongs to the multinational Gerdau, a leader in the production of long steel in the American continent and one of the primary suppliers of this type of steel across the world. Gerdau Reinosa employs 700 professionals and bases its production on the manufacturing of large forged and steel cast components with unitary weights up to 110 tones, which becomes one of the most important plants of these characteristics in Europe of its nature. The company has also high exportation quotas to the entire world. In addition, the manufacturing of rolling mills represents one of the most representative growing business, which turn the company as a leader supplier in the steel and metal industry and non ferrous light alloy markets.

Tour 7 INYECTADOS GABI. S.A. Zaldibar, (Biscay)

Inyectados Gabi is an Aluminium High Pressure Die Casting Foundry manufacturing of aluminium components with high added value for areas such as the automotive, electrical appliance and equipment, furniture and home improvement sectors, among others, having as well own machining capabilities. The company, founded in 1970, works mainly for the automotive sector and has come to be acknowledged as a major supplier of well-known brands. Among its products are: anti-pollutant exhaust valves, parts for gear levers, anti-vibration systems, brackets and accessories and covers and pumps. The manufacturing equipment at Inyectados Gabi, S.A. features 11 automated injectors which range from 200 tonnes to 1,000 tonnes. Theses carry out the die-casting of pieces from 50 g up to 6 kg in minimum series of 20,000 units, and also allow the inclusion of inserts. In addition, the company provides a series of complementary services; trimming, vibrating and sand-blasting of parts and assembly of sub-groups. In order to offer a holistic service, the company, has strengthened their machinising capacity in the recent years with the purchase of six new machining centres which operate as automated production cells. IK4-AZTERLAN - ALUMINIUM DIVISION - Durango, (Biscay)

The Non Ferrous and Light Alloys area of the IK4-AZTERLAN is specialised in Aluminium Casting – gravity, low pressure and high pressure die casting, materials, transformation technologies. The professionals work in complex projects to obtain alloys with optimized properties and innovative casting technologies. IK4-AZTERLAN shares the intellectual properties of seven patents that are exploited by the companies with which they have been developed.

Tour 8 BASQUE COUNTRY UNIVERSITY ETSI, Bilbao. (Biscay)

The region’s success and scientific and technological progress are underpinned by the University of the Basque Country, a vibrant 30 years old institution with 45,000 students, 5,000 world-class academic staff and state-of-art facilities The University of the Basque Country is an integrating institution willing to produce knowledge, experience and research in order to forward them to the general public. The courses catalogue consists of 67 Bachelor’s Degrees in all fields of knowledge. At postgraduate level, they offer 103 official master programmes, 44 professional & expert diplomas and 71PhD programmes. DEUSTO UNIVERSITY Bilbao Campus. (Biscay) The University of Deusto has been training professionals for over 30 years in different engineering fields such as computing, electronics, automation, telecommunications and industrial organisation. Today more than 9,000 engineering graduates from Deusto are working in companies and organisations worldwide. One of the pillars in the education of the Engineering Faculty is focused on R&D, which is carried out by Deustotech, the research centre associated to the Faculty. Research projects are at the highest scientific and technological level, and also offer students the opportunity to work and take their first steps in research and technological innovation processes. MONDRAGON UNIVERSITY Mondragon, (Gipuzkoa) Mondragon is a private university established in 1997. Its main campus is in Mondragon, Gipuzkoa. The current university was created by the association of three educational cooperatives: Mondragon Goi Eskola Politeknikoa “José María Ariznabarreta” S. Coop., ETEO S. Coop., and Irakasle Eskola S. Coop. Currently the university is constituted by four faculties: Engineering, Business, Humanities and Education and Gastronomy Sciences and seven different knowledge areas. The University offered 15 undergraduate courses with the participation of 3,405 students, 13 master courses with 728 attendees and 12 diploma courses.

Tour 9 INDUSTRIAL QUÍMICA DEL NALÓN, S.A. Sama de Langreo, (Asturias) The Carbochemical section of Industrial Química del Nalón, S.A. was founded in 1943, orientated primary towards tar distillation with annual capacity of 370,000 mt. coal tar, and manufacturing 130,000 Tm per year of foundry/metallurgical coke, exporting its production to numerous countries in Europe and throughout the world.

Coke is a porous mass of carbon that is industrially obtained by means of high-temperature dry coking coal distillation in the absence of oxygen. The most important applications are in iron foundries, non-ferrous smelting processes, insulation sector, chemical and sugar industries, ferrous alloys, etc.

The visit has offered the possibility of knowing in detail the advanced facilities as well as the different stages of metallurgical coke production (identification and approval of raw materials, blending, carbonization process, quenching, screening, storage and shipment).

Tour 10 MIRANDAOLA FORGE – IRON VALLEY Legazpi, (Gizpukoa)

The Museum of Iron reveals the past tradition and initial economical activities of an specific area denominated as ”Iron Valley”. The Chillida Lantoki Museum is the working space and environment of the international artist Eduardo Chillida and puts the touch and sound of iron on centre stage. In addition, the visitor will be able to witness the morphological modification of the metal in the hands of Eduardo Chillida and how he used heavy machinery to create his works. Eduardo Chillida was an international artist with works located all over the world. The reconstruction of the seventeenth century Mirandaola Forge offers visitors the chance to experience first-hand the smelting and transformation of iron as it was done in the past. The Mirandaola Forge is an icon of the Iron Valley.

ALFA ARTE Eibar, (Gipuzkoa)

Alfa Arte, known today as Materiart 14 SLL, is a company with more than 20 years experience in the sculptural art field. The company devotes its expertise to the transformation of metals into art, through various manufacturing process such as lost-wax casting – this is the main process used at Alfa Arte.

The company employs silicon and plaster moulds to give form to the final work; chemical sand casting for large-scale components; and other works in metal working for the manufacture of equipment in carbon, stainless and weathering steels, bronze, resins and methacrylate, laminated wood and other materials.

Other highlights include the 2D and 3D digitalization services, laser beam scanning system, 3D printing and machining and coating and dewaxing services.

The company works on three fronts: special services to sculptors, work commissioned on a personal basis and its own catalogue. During its years of experience, Alfa Arte has worked alongside numerous worldwide and nationally recognized artists, turning the company into a benchmark in the sector.

World Foundry Organization (WFO)

The World Foundry Organization is an international network that counts with compromise and active participation of 32 member countries – the main producers and buyers of casting products in the world. The associates actively cooperate in different frameworks and technical areas for the promotion and development of the Casting industry, where the Tabira Foundry Institute plays an active role as the representative from Spain. The World Foundry Congress is one of the main working frames promoted by the WFO as a meeting point for technicians and specialists from all over the world to share the latest technical innovations and developments within the casting industry. The activities of the World Foundry Congresses include as well some of the internal working meetings of the organization: Executive Committee and Past President meetings, General Assembly, along with International working Commissions and some additional meetings. The 71st World Foundry Congress held these central activities for the WFO. An extraordinary opportunity for members to interact and look for future collaborations. The high number of delegates in attendance made these meetings very active in terms of contents and networking. The WFO Executive Committee and Past Presidents’ meetings were held with the main aim of enhancing and invigorating the organization in several relevant subjects: monitoring the current situation of the worldwide industry, promoting activities and working commissions, developing new action plans and collaboration strategies between member associations, and presenting future working lines, among others. The General Assembly gathered the participation of a high number of delegates and member countries and featured presentations on the situation of each country in terms of production, employment and sales. Other items on the agenda included the economical status and an the action plans for the following years, including as well the presentation of the 72nd World Foundry Congress that will take place in 2016 in Nagoya (Japan). Likewise, the Congress has hosted two international commission meetings coordinated under the umbrella of the WFO.

Executive Meeting and General Assembly of the WFO

Social Programme The 71st World Foundry Congress included the possibility of deepening personal and professional relationships through an interesting social programme which has allowed participants to have as well a first hand contact with the social and cultural reality of the country. City Tour The previous day of the Congress (Sunday 18 May) offered attendees the option to participate in a guided “Bilbao Bus City Tour” service. Almost 100 people were able to enjoy this activity, the best way to come face to face with the city and with its history, and to visualize its recent transformation.

WFO Delegates meeting Representatives from the WFO member countries took also part in a guided tour through the Old Town and enjoyed a reception dinner in the Diocesan Museum of Bilbao. An initial contact among members of this international networking organization allowing them to strengthen personal relationships and to identify possible future cooperation links.

Official Congress Opening Ceremony The opening ceremony of the 71st World Foundry Congress was celebrated on 19 May in the main auditorium of the Euskalduna Conference Centre, with a remarkable participation of representatives from the industry, from technological and research entities, as well as from academic and institutional areas. Special mention to the compromise of the local and national official institutions who had an active participation and confirmed their strong support and involvement in the present and future of the foundry sector. It was a real pleasure to count with the participation of the Mayor of Bilbao, Mr. Ibon Areso; the Deputy for Economic Development of Biscay, Mr. Imanol Pradales; the Basque Government Economic Development and Competitiveness Minister, Mrs. Arantza Tapia; and the President and General Secretary of the WFO, Mr.

Guided tour and WFO delegates meeting

Vinod Kapur and Mr. Andrew Turner, alongside representatives from the Spanish Government, IK4-Azterlan, the Tabira Foundry Institute and the Spanish Federation of Foundry Associations.

Opening Ceremony of the 71st World Foundry Congress

Opening Ceremony of the International Foundry Exhibition After the Congress Opening Ceremony, the authorities proceeded with the customary cutting of the ribbon to inaugurate the International Foundry Exhibition. This fair offered the opportunity for high level professional and commercial interactions among the participants in the Congress.

The most representative venues of the city have been chosen to host the social events, including the Guggenheim Museum, the Alhóndiga of Bilbao, the City Hall, the Biscay Executive Council Hall, the Fine Arts Museum, the Bilbao Old Town and the Diocesan Museum, among others. Gala Dinner The Gala Dinner of the 71st World Foundry Congress took place in the Alhóndiga Bilbao that gathered the presence of 680 Congress participants. Once an old wine cellar, this building is a landmark in the city and is nowadays a cultural and leisure centre.

Mr. Ibon Areso, Mayor of Bilbao, shared a detailed description of the transformation of the city in the last 20 years through a selection of pictures.

Opening Ceremony of the 71st World Foundry Congress

El Sr. Ibon

Foundry Night Another important social event from the Congress took place in the enchanting settings of the Guggenheim Museum, offering attendees the chance to a private visit to the galleries. The event involved the participation of more than 850 people who were able to taste local gastronomy and enjoy music in this outstanding atmosphere. The unique opportunity to enjoy privately the museum will undoubtedly remain in the memories of the attendees of the 71st World Foundry Congress.

Gala Dinner

Accompanying Persons’ Programme The 71st World Foundry Congress has also offered a complete Accompanying Persons’ Programme with cultural and tourist activities of interest.

A group of 49 attendees took part in this two day programme, comprising a reception at the Town Hall of Bilbao and the Biscay Executive Council Building, as well as a guided tour around the Old Town and the Fine Art Museum of Bilbao. It was a great experience to dive into the history and most famous buildings of the city.

Foundry Night at the Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao.

Closing Ceremony The official Closing Ceremony of the 71st World Foundry Congress was on 21 May, with further activities following on throughout the week. The Best Paper Award and, for the first time, the Best Young Researchers Award were presented during the ceremony. Likewise, the organizers of the 71st World Foundry Congress would like to show their appreciation of the commitment of the sector and the collaboration of the official sponsors of the event: ASK CHEMICALS, LORAMENDI S. Coop., AURRENAK S. Coop., FOSECO ESPAÑOLA, BANCO SANTANDER, INSERTEC, INDUCTOTHERM, HÜTTENES ALBERTUS and CAIXA BANK. Without their support, the organization of this extraordinary event would not have been possible. With almost no time to bid farewell to Bilbao, the 72nd World Foundry Congress was already approaching. In 2016, the city of Nagoya (Japan) will host the next edition of this international technical event, which has officially been presented during the Closing Ceremony. Representatives from the Organising Committee of Japan have shared the details of the event and collected the WFO flag, which is already flying in the Japanese city.

Special acknowledgement to sponsors and presentation of the 72nd

World Foundry Congress (Nagoya 2016) during the closing ceremony

Media Partners A leading group of specialized technical media from all over the world have publicized and covered the 71st World Foundry Congress before, during, and after the celebration of this event.

It has been a real privilege and an honor to rely on their collaboration and participation in the Congress, providing high added value information about the contents and experiences linked to this international meeting.

Feedback from attendees

The positive messages and congratulations received after the Congress have been numerous and diverse. A brief summary sharing some of them with all the professionals, companies and organisations which have actively cooperated and committed themselves to the event. A successful event that was only possible with all your cooperation. Vinod Kapur. President of the WORLD FOUNDRY ORGANIZATION “I am extremely thankful to you for having organized the 71st WFC a grand success. This year's conference gave far more useful information than any other I have attended. The facilities provided to the participants / exhibitors were indeed thoughtful. The conference was a grand success. The credit goes to the entire team who made the above event a great success through the synergetic efforts”.

Andrew Turner. General Secretary of the WORLD FOUNDRY ORGANIZATION “Congratulations for the extraordinary technical event held in Bilbao. Without any doubt it has been an outstanding working frame that gives the highest value to the World Foundry Organization and to the worldwide casting industry”.

Extensive specialized media coverage of the 71st World Foundry Congress

Per Rolf Roland. Past President of the WORLD FOUNDRY ORGANIZATION “My most sincere congratulations to the organizers of the 71st World Foundry Congress. One the best events I have ever attended to”.

Hiroyoshi Kimura, President of the JAPANESE FOUNDRY SOCIETY “Many thanks for your hospitality and careful attention during our staying in Bilbao. You have done very good job of the 71st WFC. It was thoroughly an honor for me to take an active role in such a high technical level event”.

Luis Barañano. TABIRA FOUNDRY INSTITUTE “The 71st World Foundry Congress gave the innovative vision that our foundry industry needs, bringing the sector’s worldwide knowledge to the foundries. Now is our time to take advantage and to obtain a better technological and competitive position for our companies with all the experiences gathered.”

Txema Cabanas. FOSECO ESPAÑOLA “Foseco is proud to be an active part and to sponsor a high quality event such as the Congress in Bilbao. Not only was the number of participants higher than the most optimistic expectations, but the atmosphere in which the activities were carried out was also exceptional. The good organization, the venues and the programmed activities, the participants in the Congress - everything came together to generate an atmosphere where it was possible to work in the friendly and optimistic environment which is so necessary nowadays.”

Ángel Fernández de Villanueva. INDUSTRIAL QUÍMICA DEL NALÓN “The 71st WFC in Bilbao can be considered as the most important event of the decade that has taken place in Spain. Conference rooms and exhibition hall close to each other made a handy event. I would also like to emphasize the high level of the papers presented and the good technical discussions held, the casting buyers forum, the extensive industrial tour options, and the initiative of including young researchers and students to the Congress. Without any doubt, Bilbao will be a benchmark for future World Foundry Congresses”.

Jaime Prat. ASK CHEMICALS The organization, the technical contents and surroundings have been fabulous. At ASK Chemicals we are delighted to have cooperated with this important initiative. We have also had the great opportunity to present an innovative technical paper recognized among all works as the second Best Paper Award, something which reaffirms our belief in the work we are carrying out”.

Mats Holmquist. VOLVO CAR CORPORATION “It was one of the most effective events I've been to; not only was I given the chance to attend a Buyer’s Forum and have B2B meetings with Spanish foundries within the most important congress in the Foundry Sector, but I was also given the opportunity to visit foundry plants, and all of it in only 2 days”.

Jonan Aguirre. INSERTEC “For Insertec, it has been hugely satisfying to actively take part in the greatest international technical foundry congress that has ever been celebrated in our part of the world. The event has exceeded our expectations and has allowed us to obtain a deeper insight of a sector in continuous innovation. A perfect organization of the event: working sessions, industrial visits, venue, social events … difficult to improve. Congratulations to the organization!” Marina Giacopinelli. FUNDIGEX “At Fundigex, we are really pleased to have organized the Casting Buyers’ Forum and the European Encounters within the 71st World Foundry Congress. It has added more value to our activity. Invited companies, some of them relevant companies worldwide, have received a very positive impression of the Spanish Foundry capabilities”

Ana Fernández. IK4-AZTERLAN “The combination of technical knowledge and professionalism from the industry was incredible. The high number of attendees and the extraordinary technical contents have been part of the success of the 71st World Foundry Congress”

Giovanni di Muoio. GLOBAL CASTINGS A/S “Impressive quality and coverage of the works presented, a wonderful setting, very welcoming organization and a practical support to the future of the industry by involving and giving value to leading companies and experts as well as to young researchers.”

Antonio Pérez de Camino. FUNDIPRESS “The 2014 foundry sector event was outstanding, a great success in every aspect. 1,100 professionals confirm that Bilbao and the organization has been an international benchmark. Congratulations”

Prof. Juan J. de Damborenea. CENIM “Thank you very much for all your effort. It is not often to find a Congress so successful and with so many people from the industry. Congratulations on all the work done”

Lynn Postle. FOUNDRY TRADE JOURNAL “Thank you once again for an enjoyable and successful World Foundry Congress. I look forward to working with you again in the future (maybe the next time you organize it !!)”

Igor Abendaño. HOSSL “Congratulations to all who were able to bring the WFC to Bilbao and congratulations to all who have worked so hard. It has been a shared honor for all of us”

Asier Bakedano. IK4-AZTERLAN A success in terms of participation and contents. The Congress has shown the technological level of our industry and our technological centres. It is now the time for professionals and companies to put into practice all the valuable knowledge and experience gained from the 71st World Foundry Congress.

Simone Franke. GIESSEREITECHNIK “Thank you for this excellent Congress!!! Adriana Ortega. FOUNDRY PLANET “Although we all come from different parts of the world, it was evident to see that the World Foundry Congress provided the right platform for professionals to convene and share knowledge for the further development of the foundry industry”.

José Javier González. TABIRA FOUNDRY INSTITUTE “Just a brief message to thank all those persons, companies and organizations that have actively collaborated in this international framework. A great success, which has been possible due to your compromise and active participation.”