1. Strategic Dialogue at the C-Level: The Executive Circle’s Core Purpose
Unlike conventional trade shows or technical conferences, the Executive Circle was designed to create space for deep strategic dialogue. As Christoph Boss put it, “It’s not about the day-to-day, but the day after tomorrow.” The format is intentionally interactive, with minimal PowerPoint and maximum discussion. The goal is to connect senior leaders who normally don’t have the opportunity to step away from the booth or production line and discuss where the industry is headed. And it’s working: participation rates have been remarkably high, and collaborations sparked at the events are already yielding tangible results.
2. Cooperation Across the Value Chain
One of the most urgent needs in the industry is cross-functional cooperation—not just between die casting foundries, but across OEMs, suppliers, academic partners, and even HR departments. The Executive Circle has proven fertile ground for these connections. In fact, during one session, two companies located in the same region met for the first time and began exchanging strategies on recruiting and retaining talent. These “accidental alliances” are proof that the industry needs more opportunities for structured, high-level engagement.
3. Employer Branding in the Age of TikTok
Few topics sparked as much energy as the discussion on employer branding. A standout example came from Grob, whose apprenticeship program harnesses TikTok to speak the language of the next generation. Gone are the days of rigid hierarchies and grey uniforms. Grob’s apprentices now produce their own content, offering an authentic view into working life, and the results have been dramatic. Applications soared, turning a COVID-era drop into a 25% surplus above target. The broader message? The die-casting industry must modernise how it presents itself or risk losing out on future talent.
4. Digitalisation and the Role of AI
The digital transformation is no longer on the horizon—it’s here. Topics like machine learning, data analysis, and AI implementation are rapidly becoming central to die casting operations. But there's a catch: many smaller foundries don’t yet have the tools, knowledge, or personnel to make the leap. The Executive Circle highlighted the need for tailored, accessible AI strategies, particularly for mid-sized companies. One teaser: the next Executive Circle in Milano will include a 90-minute workshop led by a former professional athlete-turned-AI entrepreneur, focused on how any business—not just tech giants—can integrate AI into its daily operations.
5. Marketing the Industry Beyond Its Bubble
Perhaps the most sobering insight of the episode was this: outside the industry, almost no one knows what die casting is. That’s a branding crisis—and an opportunity. As Christoph Boss observed, the Tesla Giga Press did more for public awareness than years of internal messaging. The challenge now is to build a coherent, visible, and modern face for the die casting sector. Euroguss 365, Spotlight Metal, and student outreach initiatives are beginning to move the needle, but much more is needed. Especially as new OEMs and international brands emerge, visibility and digital presence are no longer optional—they are strategic imperatives.
What’s Next: A Glimpse of Milano
The third edition of the Euroguss Executive Circle will take place this July in Northern Italy, a fitting location given Italy’s central role in the European die casting industry. And this time, the program is expanding. Here’s a taste of what to expect:
- A keynote from Professor Ferdinand Dudenhöffer, offering insights into the global automotive market, including the rise of Chinese brands.
- A deep-dive session on employer branding led by a senior consultant from Roland Berger.
- A cross-industry marketing workshop featuring success stories from beyond the foundry world, hosted by a media expert from Vogel Communications Group.
- A special "outside-in" perspective from Prasan Firodia, president of Alucast India and CEO of Jaya Hind, exploring how Europe is viewed from abroad—and how to stay globally competitive.
Only around 70 hand-picked leaders will attend. But the ripple effects of their conversations will be felt far beyond Milan.
Conclusion:
If the first two Executive Circles were about vision and momentum, Milano 2025 will be about action. The challenges are clear: talent, technology, visibility, and cooperation. What’s emerging is a new model for the die casting industry—one that thinks globally, acts collaboratively, and embraces change with open arms.
