Croatia`s foundry industry

Croatia is among the European countries where the foundry industry has some of the deepest and most enduring roots. Within the territory of present-day Croatia, foundry activity can be traced back more than 6000 years, as confirmed by archaeological discoveries. This long-standing tradition has evolved into a modern industry whose production plays an important role across numerous sectors.

Today, Croatian foundry products are widely used in a broad range of industries. In addition to traditional fields such as automotive, aviation, shipbuilding, mechanical engineering, weapons, and jewelry manufacturing, Croatian foundries produce essential components for construction and infrastructure projects, including fittings, valves, and connectors for water supply and sewage systems.

A substantial share of production also serves the energy sector, where cast components are used in transformers, turbines, generators, and pumps. In heavy industry and mining, Croatian foundries supply highly wear-resistant parts designed to withstand demanding operating conditions.

Foundry products are equally important in the electrical industry, where they are used for housings and components of electric motors and transformer stations, as well as in marine and offshore equipment, including screws, valves, and fittings.

A significant portion of overall production is destined for export markets, demonstrating that Croatian foundries comply with international standards and successfully meet the diverse requirements of global industrial applications.

Historical development

From the 19th century until the outbreak of World War II, a significant number of foundries were established across Croatia, laying the foundations of the country’s modern metal casting industry. Historical records indicate that the Dubrovnik cannon foundry was already active as early as the 15th century, demonstrating that the tradition of metal casting in this region extends back several centuries.

In the following centuries, the development of the sector was primarily concentrated in the regions of Rijeka, Slavonia, Zagreb, Dalmatia, and Sisak. At that time, however, foundry workshops were still equipped with relatively basic technology. The number of qualified specialists was limited – mostly skilled casters, with very few formally trained engineers – and production was largely carried out on an artisanal scale rather than within an organized industrial framework.

Among the more notable early industrial foundries established between the 1850s and the 1890s were those founded in Rijeka, Osijek, and Daruvar. A new phase in the development of the Croatian foundry industry began after the end of World War II, when existing facilities were nationalized and additional foundries were opened, bringing their total number to 17. During the first post-war decades, modernization progressed relatively slowly and investment levels remained modest. Nevertheless, an increasing number of foundries began transitioning from artisanal methods to industrial-scale production. As a result, casting output – particularly of grey cast iron, rose significantly. By 1955, the number of foundries had grown to more than 35, with some facilities producing over 1000 tons of castings annually.

From the 1970s onward, the pace of development accelerated further, and by the end of the 1980s total casting production had exceeded 120 000tons. Although the industry experienced a decade of decline thereafter, the sector’s manufacturing capacity gradually began to recover. This recovery was supported by renewed investments in modernization, equipment, technology, and workforce development, enabling the Croatian foundry industry to rebuild and strengthen its industrial base.

Current state and main players

According to a recent report by the Faculty of Metallurgy at the University of Zagreb, in 2023 there were around 25 foundries operating in Croatia. Together, they produced approximately 110 000 tons of castings, of which about one third consisted of ferrous metal castings, while the remaining share was made up of non-ferrous metals. As one of the country’s oldest industrial activities, metal casting today enables the manufacture of components, products, and structures in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and applications. Production encompasses numerous metals and alloys, including cast iron (both grey and ductile iron), steel, aluminium alloys (such as AlSi12 and AlSi10Mg), as well as copper and bronze alloys.

In recent years, the industry has gained significant momentum through strengthened cooperation between the foundry sector and Croatia’s academic and research institutions.

The principal industry representative body is the Croatian Foundry Association, which currently brings together 20 foundry members along with more than 40 suppliers and individual members. The foundries within the Association include Alati Stuhne, Almos, Dalekovod Oso, Duni, Djuro Djakovic Ljevaonica, Ferro-Preis, Impk, Impol-TLM, Jezero Metal, Knauf Insulation, Krcelic Foundry, Ljevaonica Bujan, LTH Metal Cast, Metal Product, MIV, P.P.C. Buzet, Rasa Foundry, Saint Jean Industries, Topis Strojna Obrad, and Werner Metal.

The Croatian Foundry Association is dedicated to actively supporting the professional development of its members and promoting the practical implementation of technological and technical advancements. It works to enhance working conditions and occupational safety in foundries, while ensuring the proper evaluation of employees’ working environments. The Association also advocates environmentally responsible and sustainable production practices, including the recovery and efficient use of secondary raw materials. Its overarching mission is to ensure that metallurgy continues to serve as one of the key drivers of industrial development in Croatia.

Another important industry body is the Metal Industry Association of the Croatian Chamber of Economy. Croatia is also a member of the European Foundry Federation (EFF), an alliance that brings together 23 national foundry federations from 22 countries.

Trends and outlook

According to official industry reports, recent trends in the sector have been marked by a noticeable decline in orders and a series of economic challenges. Among the key geopolitical factors negatively affecting business operations is the war in Ukraine, which has further intensified market uncertainty. In 2022, production fell by approximately 27% compared to the previous year, primarily due to a sharp decline in non-ferrous metal casting, particularly aluminium. In 2023, high interest rates and weakened global demand continued to slow the industry’s recovery, especially in core sectors such as automotive. At the same time, investment levels in Croatian foundries have remained relatively modest. Additional pressures include high energy prices, disruptions in international supply chains, and a persistent shortage of skilled workers.

Despite these challenges and the ongoing instability facing the metal casting sector, the industry remains strongly export-oriented and has demonstrated considerable resilience. Major companies continue to maintain stable production levels, supplying cast components to customers in the automotive, heating, and industrial fittings segments.
According to a recent survey by the European Foundry Federation, in 2023 the Croatian metal processing industry continued to grow, albeit at a slower pace than in the previous two years. Revenue growth aligned with the medium-term average, following exceptionally high increases of more than 20% in 2021 and 2022. Although the share of revenue generated from foreign markets increased, the growth rate of exports slowed significantly compared to earlier years, resulting in a reduced proportion of export revenue within total income.

The report identifies several key trends shaping the current and future development of the foundry industry in Croatia, notably the green transition, decarbonization, and digital transformation, in line with broader European initiatives. In recent years, companies have strengthened their competitiveness and resilience by developing and implementing technologies and innovations that enhance efficiency while reducing the environmental footprint of production. The trend of nearshoring is also emerging as an important factor, contributing to the reinforcement of regional supply chains.

The European Green Deal and the new EU Industrial Strategy establish a regulatory framework aimed at reducing the environmental impact of metal foundries and promoting sustainable practices both within the industry and across its key customer sectors, such as automotive and manufacturing. However, the Croatian foundry industry continues to face significant challenges, including dependence on critical raw materials and low-cost semi-finished products – primarily imported from Asia – as well as a shortage of qualified labor driven by emigration and limited availability of specialized educational programs.

Today, the Croatian foundry industry, comprising more than 40 registered companies and employing around 3500 workers, is actively adapting to macroeconomic pressures. Investments in modernization, green technologies, and workforce training are gradually increasing, while exports remain a central pillar of the sector’s stability and future growth, as emphasized by the European Foundry Federation.