North America and Europe are facing similar upheavals, but under different conditions. The transformation of the automotive industry, new manufacturing technologies, geopolitical shifts and growing demands for productivity and speed are affecting both markets. At the same time, investment conditions, industrial policy, energy supply and the availability of skilled labour differ.
Die casting with a broad base
Figures from NADCA illustrate the importance of die casting to US industry: more than 300 die casting companies operate over 400 plants in the United States. According to the association, together they contribute more than USD 8 billion to the US economy each year and support more than 50,000 jobs, both directly and indirectly. Die casting accounts for more than a third of all metal castings. Applications extend far beyond the automotive sector – from aerospace and medical technology to construction, energy and telecommunications.
For Europe, the question is how conditions in North America are affecting investment, technologies and business models – and what conclusions can be drawn for Europe’s own competitiveness. At the EUROGUSS Executive Circle in Frankfurt on 20 and 21 January 2027, Mike Meyer will discuss these issues in the panel discussion “Europe in the Global HPDC Game: How to Win the Race”. The panel will bring together international perspectives from Europe, the US and China. Alongside Mike Meyer, participants include Marcel Fratzscher, President of DIW Berlin, Dirk Seckler, Co-CEO of Handtmann Light Metal Casting, and Global Business Strategist Prof. Dr Min Chen.
Johannes Messer: How would you assess the current competitiveness of the North American die casting industry compared to Europe? In your view, what factors will determine the competitiveness of die casting locations by 2030?
Mike Meyer: Competition is nothing new in the die casting industry. Those who embrace technology have a stronger likelihood of being continually competitive. North America is benefiting greatly from world events and policies. Customers are now wanting suppliers who are close to them, and offer a complete portfolio of solutions.
Johannes Messer: Which technological developments will particularly shape the HPDC industry in the coming years? Where do you see the greatest need for investment – and which technologies may currently be overestimated or considered the industry standard too early?
Mike Meyer: AI will be a technology that will shape our industry. Giga casting, while extremely important, has not taken off to the degree some expect. The majority of the giga cells in China sit idle, simply due to a lack of volume.
Johannes Messer: In Europe, OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers have significantly expanded their in-house foundry capacities. How is this trend developing in North America? What role will independent die casting foundries play in competition with in-house foundries?
Mike Meyer: OEM’s will continue to expand their in-house capabilities, and NADCA is here to assist those who are corporate members. Independent die casters will continue to play a critical role in our industry. As stated before, OEM’s are looking for partners that understand their needs, and can react quickly.
About Mike Meyer
Mike Meyer is President of the North American Die Casting Association (NADCA) and has worked in the die casting industry for more than 35 years. Before taking up his current role, he served, among other positions, as General Manager at Mercury Marine in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, President of Fort Recovery Industries in Ohio and General Manager at Boyd Corporation. Through extensive travel across the United States as well as to Italy, Poland, Switzerland and Germany, he has built a broad international network. Meyer is particularly committed to technological advancement, knowledge sharing and safety within the industry.
