As summer draws to a close,the foundry industry is picking up pace. The end of the summer holidays and summer is the time when, after the lull of the holiday period, the economy picks up pace again. Summer is slowly giving way to autumn, but in the economy and industry, it is hard to say that the season is over. We have months of trade fairs and meetings ahead of us, and above all – the search for the answer to the question of how to build a competitive and resilient foundry industry in a changing world.

We are returning to our day-to-day duties, investment plans, meetings and discussions on how to tackle the challenges that are having an ever-greater impact on the industry’s operations.

This year’s return to work and industry events takes on added significance thanks to the latest edition of the METAL International Foundry Technology Fair in Kielce. It is one of the most important trade fairs in Poland dedicated to foundry work, serving as a platform for showcasing modern technologies, machinery, materials and solutions for the entire sector. Trade fairs are not only an opportunity to discover the latest offerings on the market, but above all a space for meetings, exchanging experiences and building relationships, which often lead to specific projects and collaboration. That is precisely why Przegląd Odlewnictwa is once again supporting this event.

We are pleased to present this booklet in which we look both to the future of technology and at the current challenges facing businesses. The issue opens with an article by Jerzy Józef Sobczak and Wojciech Kowalczyk on Semi-Solid Metal (SSM) casting technologies.

The topic of nearshoring remains just as relevant. In an interview with Krzysztof Sikora, we examine whether European and Polish foundries can compete more effectively with Asia by capitalising on strengths such as security, flexibility and the predictability of supply chains.

In an interview with Janusz Zaton, the chairman of Wulkan SA, we discuss a new chapter in the company’s history – the production of brake discs.

FOCAST 2027 – new date, same ambition! Important information on what is changing in the organisation of the Foundry Exhibition during the ITM INDUSTRY EUROPE trade fair, and why it’s worth marking the date in your diary today.

The issue also features a report on the record-breaking CastForge 2026 trade fair, as well as on the 12^th Forum of Foundry Chairmen and Directors in Poland.

There was also room for events designed to bring our community together – including the 12^th Polish Foundry Workers’ Tennis Championships.

We encourage you to read Karol Cieślar’s practical article, ‘The blades in the foundry do not wear out on their own’, which shows how proper management of the abrasive cycle and control of the cleaning process can reduce wear and generate savings without the need to invest in new machinery.

See you in Kielce!

Magdalena Baryła – Deputy Chief Editor