No doubt this story has made it into the mainline press because Easter is upon us, but we don't need a seasonal hook to interest metalcasters in the Marinelli Foundry of Agnone, Italy. It's said to be the oldest foundry in Europe. It's also reported to be the oldest family-owned business in Italy, and among the oldest family businesses anywhere in the world.

So far, it's a familiar set-up. The custom of metalcasting in certain families is repeated all over the world, as are traditions of craftsmanship and expertise in certain product lines. 

The Marinellis have more than history on their side. You could say they have "connections."

 "The Vatican gave us the title of pontifical foundry in 1924, and the Church today accounts for 90% of our orders," according to Armando Marinelli. So, even though the report tries to raise our doubts about the future of the foundry, citing the fact that young people show little interest in the profession, my faith is sure.

Worrying about the future of foundries is another "tradition," or, really, a cliche. I have heard this concern about the youth of today and their lack of regard for traditional work and values ever since I started to report on manufacturing issues. I've also seen it contradicted many, many times. We don't need thousands of young people angling to get in on the ground floor of a metalcasting organization. We'll do very well if we continue to attract the sort of clever, dedicated, resourceful and devoted young men and women who have a calling to metalcasting.

I'm not going to worry about the Marinellis. God will provide.