Industry Statistics and Trends
Market size and recent performance (2014-2029)
Industry revenue has declined at a CAGR of 1.4 % over the past five years, to reach an estimated £703.3m in 2024.
Trends and Insights
The automotive manufacturing’s green transition is dampening light metal casting demand
- UK car production rose by 16.8% in the year to December 2023, its best growth rate since 2010, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). This prompted a surge in investment geared toward revamping the industry into an electric vehicle powerhouse.
- Additional trends and insights available with purchase
Source: IBISWorld
Industry outlook (2024-2029)
Market size is projected to grow over the next five years.
Trends and Insights
Foreign manufacturing competition is set to limit demand for UK light metal cast products
- The UK is one of the world's largest producers of premium cars, holding more than 40 connected manufacturing companies. However, domestic automotive manufacturers face increasing foreign competition from lower-cost countries (such as China and Russia).
Biggest companies in the Light Metal Casting in the UK
| Company | Market Share (%)
2025 | Revenue (£m)
2025 |
|---|---|---|
Howmet Ltd | 133.8 | |
Ryobi Aluminium Castings (UK) Ltd | 100.3 | |
Linamar Light Metals Belfast Ltd | 74.5 |
To view the market share and analysis for all 6 top companies in this industry, view purchase options.
Products & Services Segmentation
Source: IBISWorld
Industry revenue is measured across several distinct product and services lines, including Automotive components, Aerospace components and Other. Automotive components is the largest segment of the Light Metal Casting in the UK.
Trends and Insights
Automotive components rely heavily on light metal castings
- In terms of production value, most castings produced by light metal foundries are automotive components. Automobile manufacturers use light metal castings for cylinder heads, wheels, intake manifolds, clutch cases, sumps, covers and transmission cases.
- More insights available in the full report
Table of Contents
About this industry
Industry definition
Metal casting refers to the pouring of liquid metals into a mould to make often complex shapes. The industry consists of companies that cast light metals, including aluminium, magnesium, zinc and titanium.
What's included in this industry?
Automotive components Aerospace components Turbine and power generation equipmentCompanies
Howmet LtdRyobi Aluminium Castings (UK) LtdLinamar Light Metals Belfast LtdPurchase this report to view all 6 major companies in this industry.
Related Terms
DIE-CASTINGSAND CASTINGINVESTMENT CASTINGLIGHT METALIndustry Code
SIC 24.53 - Light Metal Casting in the UK
Performance
Get an indication of the industry's health through historical, current and forward-looking trends in the performance indicators that make or break businesses.
Analyst insights
Light metal casting is heavily dependent on automotive performance. Automobile manufacturers remain the largest market for light metal castings, although a move to electric c...
In this chapter (4)
- Current Performance
- Outlook
- Volatility
- Life Cycle
Key metrics
- Annual Revenue, Recent Growth, Forecast, Revenue Volatility
- Number of Employees, Recent Growth, Forecast, Employees per Business, Revenue per Employee
- Number of Businesses, Recent Growth, Forecast, Employees per Business, Revenue per Business
- Total Profit, Profit Margin, Profit per Business
Charts
- Revenue, including historical (2014-2023) and forecast (2024-2029)
- Employees, including historical (2014-2023) and forecast (2024-2029)
- Businesses, including historical (2014-2023) and forecast (2024-2029)
- Profit, including historical (2014-2024)
- Industry Volatility vs. Revenue Growth
- Industry Life Cycle
Detailed analysis
- Trends in supply, demand and current events that are driving current industry performance
- Expected trends, economic factors and ongoing events that drive the industry's outlook
- Key success factors for businesses to overcome volatility
- How contribution to GDP, industry saturation, innovation, consolidation, and technology and systems influence the industry's life cycle phase.
Products and Markets
Learn about an industry's products and services, markets and trends in international trade.
Analyst insight
Most castings produced by light metal foundries are automotive components. However, declining numbers of car registrations have reduced the number of vehicles being manufactu...
In this chapter
- Products & Services
- Major Markets
Key metrics
- Largest market segment and value in 2024
- Product innovation level
Charts
- Products & services segmentation in 2024
- Major market segmentation in 2024
Detailed analysis
- Trends impacting the recent performance of the industry's various segments
- Innovations in the industry's product or service offering, specialization or delivery method
- Key factors that successful businesses consider in their offerings
- Buying segments and key trends influencing demand for industry products and services
Geographic Breakdown
Discover where business activity is most concentrated in an industry and the factors driving these trends to find opportunities and conduct regional benchmarking.
Analyst insights
The Midlands is a key automotive hub in the UK. The region is home to a number of vehicle manufacturers making extensive use of light metal castings. Significant motor vehicl...
In this chapter (1)
- Business Locations
Charts
- Share of revenue, establishment, wages and employment in each region
- Share of population compared to establishments in each region in 2024
Tables
- Number and share of establishments in each region in 2024
- Number and share of revenue each region accounts for in 2024
- Number and share of wages each region accounts for in 2024
- Number and share of employees in each region in 2024
Detailed analysis
- Geographic spread of the industry across Europe, and trends associated with changes in the business landscape
- Key success factors for businesses to use location to their advantage
Competitive Forces
Get data and insights on what's driving competition in an industry and the challenges industry operators and new entrants may face, with analysis built around Porter's Five Forces framework.
Analyst insights
Light metal casters compete on price and quality. Prices in the industry are largely determined by global aluminium and titanium prices; therefore, competition is predominant...
In this chapter (4)
- Concentration
- Barriers to Entry
- Substitutes
- Buyer & Supplier Analysis
Key metrics
- Industry concentration level
- Industry competition level and trend
- Barriers to entry level and trend
- Substitutes level and trend
- Buyer power level and trend
- Supplier power level and trend
Charts
- Market share concentration among the top 4 suppliers from 2019-2024
- Supply chain including upstream supplying industries and downstream buying industries, flow chart
Detailed analysis
- Factors impacting the industry’s level of concentration, such as business distribution, new entrants, or merger and acquisition activity.
- Key success factors for businesses to manage the competitive environment of the industry.
- Challenges that potential industry entrants face such as legal, start-up costs, differentiation, labor/capital intensity and capital expenses.
- Key success factors for potential entrants to overcome barriers to entry.
- Competitive threats from potential substitutes for the industry’s own products and services.
- Key success factors for how successful businesses can compete with substitutes.
- Advantages that buyers have to keep favorable purchasing conditions.
- Advantages that suppliers have to maintain favorable selling conditions.
- Key success factors for how businesses can navigate buyer and supplier power.
Companies
Learn about the performance of the top companies in the industry.
Analyst insights
JVM Castings R&D strategy pays off. JVM has collaborated with internal and external partners to achieve innovation in its supply chain. Partnering with universities has led t...
In this chapter
- Market Share Concentration
- Companies
- Company Spotlights
Charts
- Industry market share by company in 2020 through 2024
- Major companies in the industry, including market share, revenue, profit and profit margin in 2024
- Overview of Howmet Ltd's performance by revenue, market share and profit margin from 2018 through 2024
- Overview of Ryobi Aluminium Castings (UK) Ltd's performance by revenue, market share and profit margin from 2018 through 2024
- Overview of Linamar Light Metals Belfast Ltd's performance by revenue, market share and profit margin from 2018 through 2024
- Overview of revenue, market share and profit margin trend for 3 additional companies
Detailed analysis
- Description and key data for Howmet Ltd, and factors influencing its performance in the industry
- Description and key data for Ryobi Aluminium Castings (UK) Ltd, and factors influencing its performance in the industry
- Description and key data for Linamar Light Metals Belfast Ltd, and factors influencing its performance in the industry
- Description, key data and performance trends for 3 additional companies
External Environment
Understand the demographic, economic and regulatory factors that shape how businesses in an industry perform.
Analyst insights
Demand from aircraft repair operations is increasing. Aircraft maintenance and repair are a source of constant demand for light metal castings used as engine and fuselage fit...
In this chapter
- External Drivers
- Regulation & Policy
- Assistance
Key metrics
- Regulation & policy level and trend
- Assistance level and trend
Charts
- Regulation & Policy historical data and forecast (2014-2029)
- Assistance historical data and forecast (2014-2029)
Detailed analysis
- Demographic and macroeconomic factors influencing the industry, including Regulation & Policy and Assistance
- Major types of regulations, regulatory bodies, industry standards or specific regulations impacting requirements for industry operators
- Key governmental and non-governmental groups or policies that may provide some relief for industry operators.
Financial Benchmarks
View average costs for industry operators and compare financial data against an industry's financial benchmarks over time.
Analyst insights
The average industry profit margin fluctuates between companies. Profitability is influenced by levels of automation. By implementing automated procedures, manufacturers can ...
In this chapter
- Cost Structure
- Financial Ratios
- Key Ratios
Key metrics
- Profit margin, and how it compares to the sector-wide margin
- Average wages, and how it compares to the sector-wide average wage
- Largest cost component as a percentage of revenue
- Industry average ratios for days' receivables, industry coverage and debt-to-net-worth ratio
Charts
- Average industry operating costs as a share of revenue, including purchases, wages, depreciation, utilities, rent, other costs and profit in 2024
- Average sector operating costs as a share of revenue, including purchases, wages, depreciation, utilities, rent, other costs and profit in 2024
- Investment vs. share of economy
Data tables
- Liquidity Ratios (2018-2022)
- Coverage Ratios (2018-2022)
- Leverage Ratios (2018-2022)
- Operating Ratios (2018-2022)
- Assets (2018-2022)
- Liabilities (2018-2022)
- Cash Flow & Debt Service Ratios (2014-2029)
- Revenue per Employee (2014-2029)
- Revenue per Enterprise (2014-2029)
- Employees per Establishment (2014-2029)
- Employees per Enterprise (2014-2029)
- Average Wage (2014-2029)
- Wages/Revenue (2014-2029)
- Establishments per Enterprise (2014-2029)
- IVA/Revenue (2014-2029)
- Imports/Demand (2014-2029)
- Exports/Revenue (2014-2029)
Detailed analysis
- Trends in the cost component for industry operators and their impact on industry costs and profitability
Key Statistics
Industry Data
Data Tables
Including values and annual change:
- Revenue (2014-2029)
- IVA (2014-2029)
- Establishments (2014-2029)
- Enterprises (2014-2029)
- Employment (2014-2029)
- Exports (2014-2029)
- Imports (2014-2029)
- Wages (2014-2029)
Top Questions Answered
Unlock comprehensive answers and precise data upon purchase. View purchase options.
What is the market size of the Light Metal Casting in the UK industry in United Kingdom in 2024?
The market size of the Light Metal Casting in the UK industry in United Kingdom is £703.3m in 2024.
How many businesses are there in the Light Metal Casting in the UK industry in 2024?
There are 141 businesses in the Light Metal Casting in the UK industry in United Kingdom, which has grown at a CAGR of 2.0 % between 2019 and 2024.
Has the Light Metal Casting in the UK industry in United Kingdom grown or declined over the past 5 years?
The market size of the Light Metal Casting in the UK industry in United Kingdom has been declining at a CAGR of 1.4 % between 2019 and 2024.
What is the forecast growth of the Light Metal Casting in the UK industry in United Kingdom over the next 5 years?
Over the next five years, the Light Metal Casting in the UK industry in United Kingdom is expected to grow.
What are the biggest companies in the Light Metal Casting in the UK market in United Kingdom?
The biggest companies operating in the Light Metal Casting market in United Kingdom are Howmet Ltd, Ryobi Aluminium Castings (UK) Ltd and Linamar Light Metals Belfast Ltd
What does the Light Metal Casting in the UK in United Kingdom include?
Automotive components and Aerospace components are part of the Light Metal Casting in the UK industry.
Which companies have the highest market share in the Light Metal Casting in the UK in United Kingdom?
The company holding the most market share in United Kingdom is Howmet Ltd.
How competitive is the Light Metal Casting in the UK industry in United Kingdom?
The level of competition is moderate and increasing in the Light Metal Casting in the UK industry in United Kingdom.
Related Industries
Widen your competitive advantage with related industries
Competitors
- There are no industries to display.
Complementors
View all industries in United Kingdom
Methodology
How are IBISWorld reports created?
IBISWorld has been a leading provider of trusted industry research for over 50 years to the most successful companies worldwide. With offices in Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and China, we are proud to have local teams of analysts that conduct research, data analysis and forecasting to produce data-driven industry reports.
Our analysts start with official, verified and publicly available sources of data to build the most accurate picture of each industry. Analysts then leverage their expertise and knowledge of the local markets to synthesize trends into digestible content for IBISWorld readers. Finally, each report is reviewed by one of IBISWorld’s editors, who provide quality assurance to ensure accuracy and readability.
IBISWorld relies on human-verified data and human-written analysis to compile each standard industry report. We do not use generative AI tools to write insights, although members can choose to leverage AI-based tools within the platform to generate additional analysis formats.
What data sources do IBISWorld analysts use?
Each industry report incorporates data and research from government databases, industry-specific sources, industry contacts, and our own proprietary database of statistics and analysis to provide balanced, independent and accurate insights.
Key data sources in the UK include:
- Office for National Statistics
- Office for Budget Responsibility
- Bank of England
Analysts also use industry specific sources to complement catch-all sources, although their perspective may focus on a particular organization or representative body, rather than a clear overview of all industry operations. However, when balanced against other perspectives, industry-specific sources provide insights into industry trends.
These sources include:
- Industry and trade associations
- Industry federations or regulators
- Major industry players annual or quarterly filings
Finally, IBISWorld’s global data scientists maintain a proprietary database of macroeconomic and demand drivers, which our analysts use to help inform industry data and trends. They also maintain a database of statistics and analysis on thousands of industries, which has been built over our more than 50-year history and offers comprehensive insights into long-term trends.
How does IBISWorld forecast its data?
IBISWorld’s analysts and data scientists use the sources above to create forecasts for our proprietary datasets and industry statistics. Depending on the dataset, they may use regression analysis, multivariate analysis, time-series analysis or exponential smoothing techniques to project future data for the industry or driver. Additionally, analysts will leverage their local knowledge of industry operating and regulatory conditions to impart their best judgment on the forecast model.
IBISWorld prides itself on being a trusted, independent source of data, with over 50 years of experience building and maintaining rich datasets and forecasting tools. We are proud to be the keystone source of industry information for thousands of companies across the world.
Learn more about our methodology and data sourcing on the Help Center.
