A number of research studies have been sent to me in recent weeks, and each one of them may have some value for various readers; I think they offer a more interesting outlook of the coming years when considered together. So:
• Aluminum castings and magnesium diecastings are the “hot” categories in a new report that projects global demand for industrial castings will total 85.7 million tons in 2010. The study sees growth for lightweight castings in automotive and non-automotive markets, including industrial machinery and aerospace markets. Greater demand for light metal castings will continue to be driving factors in the automotive market demand.
The study projects demand in regional markets (Asia Pacific, EU, North America), by metal, and by market demand. "Industrial Castings: A Global Strategic Business Report" is published by Global Industry Analysts Inc., and offers an overview of market trends, drivers, product profile, players, competition, end-use applications, recent developments, mergers, acquisitions, and other strategic industry activities.
• The global market for magnesium is seen maintaining its 4.79% compound annual growth rate through 2010, and reach an excess of 442 thousand metric tons/year by the end of this decade, according to a new market research report. Automotive diecastings are the leading factor in that growth pattern. Magnesium casing for handsets and notebook PCs is another area of growth, not just for the metal’s light weight: it also offers “intrinsic EMI/RFI shielding,” according to the researchers.
• Another new market study finds that new investment, upgrades to existing facilities, and technological developments are driving the global growth in the industrial valves market. Environmental legislation will be another factor shaping the market’s future performance. The researchers see the global demand for industrial valves reaching $72 billion by 2010.
• The global market for material-handling equipment will grow to $104 billion in sales by 2010, in still another new study by Global Industry Analysts, Inc. The researchers note a trend toward “complete integration of material-handling systems with procurement systems, manufacturing management systems, and shipping operations” that will increase demand for automation equipment and software, and identifies several trends in the lift-truck market (among other innovations) that are “redefining” the material-handling industry.
• U.S. demand for for refractory products is seen growing 1.8% annually to $2.5 billion by 2011, increasing the rate of growth from 2001 to 2006. This study sees growth in the production of nonmetallic mineral products (notably, cement) as the major driver in the refractories industry. Other growth factors will be increasing use of better performing, more expensive refractories, which will bolster demand in value terms. Inhibitors to growth in the U.S. refractories industry will be slowing steel production and a “weak outlook” for fabricated metals. Shipments of refractories are projected to rise 1.3% per year, slower than demand growth. The study predicts that this will cause the U.S. to slip into a trade deficit for refractory products by 2011.