Success through development: from contract manufacturer to innovation partner

Handtmann attracted particular attention by entering the field of gigacasting as the first European Tier 1 foundry to do so, as well as by presenting a newly developed aluminium die-cast wheel at EUROGUSS 2026. At the same time, the company combines European production expertise with international experience – including through a site in China.

At the EUROGUSS Executive Circle 2026 in Paris, Dirk Seckler will take part in the panel discussion “Europe in the Global HPDC Game – Specialization or Loss of Relevance?”. Ahead of the event, he talks about competitive pressure in Europe, new role models for foundries and the question of what needs to happen in technological, organisational and industrial policy terms if Europe is to remain relevant in the global HPDC game.

Johannes Messer: European aluminium foundries are facing cost, innovation and transformation pressure at the same time. Where are you currently experiencing the greatest pressure for change in day-to-day operations – and what decisions do foundries need to make differently today compared with five years ago?
 

This means that the focus in day-to-day operations is shifting. It is no longer just about producing individual components efficiently, but about understanding the entire value chain and the later application in the vehicle. At the same time, this is also creating new potential in the application, for example through the further development of existing components and processes.

In addition, the industry is operating within a clear area of tension. European suppliers stand for quality and process stability, but at the same time face structural cost disadvantages, for example due to energy prices and regulatory requirements.

The key difference compared with five years ago lies in the nature of the decisions being made. In the past, the focus was on optimising existing processes. Today, it is about setting a strategic course. Investments in technologies, expertise and applications, as well as in new business models, must be made at an early stage. Successful foundries are therefore clearly developing further, moving away from being pure contract manufacturers and towards becoming innovation partners that help shape solutions and assume responsibility.

Johannes Messer: With topics such as gigacasting, new materials and the closer integration of development, casting, machining and assembly, the business model of many aluminium foundries is changing fundamentally. How will the role of the European aluminium foundry in the automotive industry’s value chain change in the coming years?

Dirk Seckler: The role of the foundry is currently changing fundamentally. The traditional component supplier is losing importance because differentiation through individual components is becoming increasingly difficult, particularly under strong cost pressure in global competition. In standardised areas in particular, we are seeing strong competition from Asia.

At the same time, new opportunities are emerging. Through the targeted substitution of existing components and materials, the focus is increasingly shifting from built-to-print to built-to-spec solutions. Existing components made of steel, plastic or produced using other manufacturing processes are increasingly being transferred into die-casting solutions. This opens up additional potential for aluminium die casting and strengthens capacity utilisation in the industry over the long term.

As a result, added value is increasingly created through the ability to think about and implement systems holistically. Foundries are therefore taking on a more active role in the development and design of components and systems.
 

Foundries will be involved in projects earlier and will act as co-engineering partners. Decisions on design, material and manufacturing will be made jointly with the customer, and foundries will be actively involved in the development and industrialisation of complete, automated solutions. In the long term, this creates a clear role model that Handtmann is already consistently pursuing and actively shaping in its positioning as a 360° solution partner.

Johannes Messer: Europe stands between transformation, regulatory requirements and growing global competitive pressure. In your view, what specifically needs to happen now – technologically, organisationally and in terms of industrial policy – for the European aluminium foundry industry to hold its own in global competition?

Dirk Seckler: Europe will only be able to maintain its position in global competition if it consistently focuses on innovation in products, processes and business models. That is the key prerequisite for the industry’s future viability.

Technologically, it is about actively shaping the transformation. Topics such as gigacasting, lightweight construction, materials development and automated manufacturing are key levers. The decisive factor is implementation. Innovation must be transferred into series production quickly, stably and economically.

Organisationally, clear priorities are needed. Companies must focus more strongly on the fields in which they can be technologically leading. At the same time, close integration of development, production and sales is necessary in order to manage speed and complexity. In addition, an intelligent global set-up is becoming increasingly important.

In terms of industrial policy, Europe needs reliable and competitive framework conditions. High energy prices, regulatory requirements and global differences in cost structures are a clear disadvantage today. If the industrial base is to be preserved, investment in innovation and production at the location must become more attractive again.

The opportunity lies in playing to Europe’s own strengths. Quality, engineering expertise and process reliability remain clear advantages. If Europe succeeds in combining these with speed, scalability and a global presence, it can continue to play a leading role in the future.