Visit by the Foundry Sector Committee of IG Metall to the Foundry Technology Department of the University of Kassel

Representatives from the trade union, industry and academia came together in Kassel and Baunatal as part of the two-day meeting of the foundry sector committee of IG Metall, chaired by Holger Hanns Lorek. On the first day of the event, May 11, 2026, the focus was on the current situation in the German foundry industry. Dr. Martin Theuringer, Managing Director of the Federal Association of the German Foundry Industry (BDGuss), gave a comprehensive overview of the economic and structural situation in the sector and discussed key challenges and prospects with the committee members.

On the second day, the committee visited the Foundry Technology Center of the Foundry Technology Department at the University of Kassel. During the tour of the test facilities, there was the opportunity to discuss current technological developments and issues directly at the facilities. In addition, the committee members were informed about current and planned research projects at the GTK, which led to a lively technical exchange about the future of foundry research and its significance for the industry.

The foundry technology department sees direct dialog with industry and trade union stakeholders as an important part of its scientific work. The exchange helps to identify research topics of practical relevance and to strengthen the transfer of knowledge between the university and the industry. The GTK would like to thank Holger Hanns Lorek, IG Metall and all members of the industry committee for their commitment and constructive exchange.