GF aims to drive forward its transformation into a flow solutions group with the sale of its casting division

Georg Fischer AG is taking another strategic step: with the planned divestment of the GF Casting Solutions division later this year, the long-established Swiss industrial group intends to separate itself from a business area that, despite its technological strength, no longer fits into its core business. Following the sale of GF Machining Solutions in June 2025, this will be the next milestone in the realignment towards sustainable flow solutions.

Three +GF+ flags flying in front of a modern building under a blue sky with scattered clouds.

GF will focus in future on business with piping systems, fittings and complete infrastructure solutions for products and solutions that enable the safe and sustainable transport of liquids and gases. The Casting Solutions division, which is primarily active in the automotive industry, is therefore to be divested. The divestment process for the division is ‘well advanced’ and a contract is expected to be signed before the end of the year, the company's management announced at its half-year press conference on 24 July 2025. It remains unclear whether this will be a complete or partial sale. However, it was emphasised that even in the event of a partial sale, there would be no split of the automotive business.

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CEO Andreas Müller explained: "The first half of 2025 marked a significant step forward in GF’s strategic transformation toward becoming the global leader in Flow Solutions for Industry, Infrastructure, and Buildings, with the divestment of GF Machining Solutions and the acquisition of metal valve specialist VAG-Group. Our Flow Solutions divisions enjoyed good momentum particularly in the industrial sectors in Asia and the US, as well as in infrastructure markets across Europe, underscoring the resilience of this business despite market uncertainties."

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Solid foundation despite headwinds

The GF Casting Solutions division showed resilience in the first half of 2025, with sales amounting to 388 (462) million Swiss francs. This reflects the ongoing weakness in the automotive sector – overcapacity in Europe, declining capacity utilisation in China and changes in the industry – while demand in the aerospace sector remained stable. The order volume in the die casting segment was 369 (493) million Swiss francs, supported by a diversified customer portfolio and solutions for drive-independent components and complex structural components – areas in which GF is active with high technological density.

A few months ago, GF Casting Solutions caused a stir with its announcement that it would be establishing a ‘megacasting network’: die casting plants with a clamping force of 6,100 tonnes distributed worldwide. The first plant is already in operation in Shenyang (China), and a plant is being built in Augusta (USA) that is scheduled to go into operation in 2026. Further capacity is also planned in Europe. These developments are intended to meet the growing demand for large-scale structural components, particularly for electric mobility. It remains to be seen how the network will fare under new ownership. However, the company's management emphasised that the construction of the new plant in Augusta is proceeding according to plan.

Industry significance & outlook

For decades, the Casting Solutions division has been a driver of innovation within the GF Group – from lightweight chassis components to complex structural components for e-mobility and aviation. The sale is therefore a major step: GF is focusing on more profitable long-term business models in the flow sector, while customers and employees of GF Casting Solutions are likely to be optimistic: the company is operationally strong, has a global network and technologically sustainable structures – a good basis for a smooth transition.

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GF at a glance

Georg Fischer AG, headquartered in Schaffhausen, has been in business since 1802 and employs approximately 19,000 people in 46 countries. In 2024, the Group generated sales of around 4.8 billion Swiss francs. The transformation towards Flow Solutions is reflected in the sale of GF Machining Solutions and the positioning of Piping Systems and Building Flow Solutions as core areas for future-proof, sustainable infrastructure. GF Casting Solutions currently employs around 3,500 people at 14 locations in Europe, China and soon also in the USA. Its technologies include high-pressure aluminium and magnesium die casting, sand casting, precision casting and additive processes. The division primarily supplies components for the automotive and commercial vehicle sectors, structural components and drive-independent applications.