About the Episode
Foundries remain a critical part of the UK’s industrial infrastructure, supplying essential components to sectors including automotive, aerospace, rail, energy, defence, and heavy industry. At the same time, the industry faces growing pressure from rising energy costs, volatile raw material markets, supply chain disruption, and increasing regulatory requirements.
As these pressures intensify, digital transformation is becoming a major strategic focus across the foundry sector. Foundries are increasingly adopting digital technologies to improve operational efficiency, strengthen sustainability performance, optimise manufacturing processes, and enhance competitiveness in a demanding industrial environment.
From simulation software and process monitoring to digital twins and advanced automation, technology is reshaping how foundries approach production and operational control. At the same time, procurement and supply chain management remain key areas where many organisations continue to face fragmented workflows, limited visibility, and inefficient supplier management processes.
In this MetalshubTalks webinar, we examine how digitalisation is being implemented across the UK foundry industry and how structured digital workflows support stronger operational performance, supply chain resilience, and procurement efficiency.
The discussion explores:
- The current state of the UK foundry industry and its major market challenges
- How digital technologies are transforming foundry operations and manufacturing processes
- The role of digitalisation in sustainability, efficiency, and competitiveness
- Why procurement and supplier management remain critical areas for transformation
- How digital procurement platforms improve visibility, compliance, and sourcing performance
Drawing on the Cast Metals Federation’s industry perspective and Metalshub’s expertise in digital raw material procurement, the session combines strategic market insight with practical examples of how foundries are modernising their operations and supply chains.
MetalshubTalks host Samir Jaber is joined by Lee Marshall, Chief Executive of the Cast Metals Federation (CMF), to discuss the future of UK foundries, the adoption of digital technologies across the sector, and how procurement transformation supports more resilient and competitive industrial operations.
As the UK’s leading foundry trade association, representing around 85% of national casting output, CMF plays a central role in supporting the industry through advocacy, technical expertise, and industrial development. Through its partnership with Metalshub, CMF is also helping foundries accelerate digital procurement transformation and strengthen supply chain resilience across the sector.
Join the conversation and gain practical insight into how digital transformation is reshaping the future of the UK foundry industry.
This session is designed for foundry leaders, procurement professionals, manufacturing executives, supply chain managers, operations teams, and industrial stakeholders seeking a clearer understanding of the challenges and opportunities shaping modern foundries.
About the Speakers

Samir Jaber
Samir is the host of MetalshubTalks and Content Marketing Manager at Metalshub. He has a background in engineering, materials science, nanotechnology, technical writing, and digital marketing. He is the author of a book on B2B storytelling and communication and has written 500+ articles, reports, and scientific papers. Samir has also been featured in numerous industry outlets over the past 5+ years.

Lee Marshall
Lee Marshall is Chief Executive of the Cast Metals Federation (CMF), the UK’s leading trade association for the foundry industry, representing companies responsible for approximately 85% of national casting output. With more than a decade of senior leadership experience in membership organisations and a strong background in sustainability, public policy, and industry advocacy, Lee works closely with foundries, manufacturers, and policymakers to strengthen the competitiveness, resilience, and long-term development of the UK cast metals sector.
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