CECAEN Rev 3
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Sections Correlation Guide About the Project Contact
Group 245

Cast iron foundry

This CAEN division includes the activities of casting iron, i.e. the process of melting iron and pouring it into molds to obtain finished parts and products. If your business involves producing iron components by casting, from industrial parts to sanitary or construction elements, then the correct classification is here.

Included Activities & Applicability

  • ✅ Casting of lamellar graphite iron Casting of nodular graphite iron Casting of malleable iron Casting of special iron (alloyed
  • ✅ wear-resistant
  • ✅ etc.) Casting of iron parts for the automotive industry
  • ✅ machine tools
  • ✅ pipes and sanitary fittings

Excluded Activities & Restrictions

  • ❌ Manufacture of tubes and tubular profiles of iron (included in CAEN 2420) Steel casting (included in CAEN 2410-2451) Forging
  • ❌ pressing and rolling of iron (included in CAEN 2431) Finishing and heat treatment services for cast parts (if carried out separately)

Subordinate Structure

2451 Cast iron founding
→
2452 Steel casting
→
2453 Casting of light non-ferrous metals
→
2454 Casting of other non-ferrous metals
→

Detailed Analysis & Commercial Insights

Cast iron foundry

Cast iron foundry is a basic industrial segment in the Romanian economy, with deep roots in the national metallurgical tradition. CAEN division 245 covers the process of obtaining cast iron parts by melting the metal and pouring it into molds, followed by cooling and primary processing. This activity supplies essential components for many industries: automotive, machine building, pipe production, sanitary fittings and wear parts. In Romania, the iron foundry sector experienced a sinuous evolution after 1990, with many large enterprises being restructured or closed, but in recent years it has started to grow again, fueled by domestic and foreign demand. Entrepreneurs active in this niche face significant challenges: high costs of electricity and raw materials (pig iron, coke, alloys), competition from Asian manufacturers and the need to modernize casting technologies to comply with environmental and quality standards. On the other hand, iron casting remains a high value-added activity, generating skilled jobs and playing a strategic role in European supply chains. For example, nodular graphite iron castings are essential for the wind and rail industries, and Romania has skilled human resources and a relatively favorable raw material base. To remain competitive, Romanian foundries must invest in energy efficiency, automation and international certifications. Also, collaboration with research institutes and technical universities can bring innovations in materials and processes. The local iron casting market is estimated at several hundred million euros, with about 50-70 active units, mostly SMEs. Exports to countries such as Germany, Italy and France represent a significant part of revenues, and the trend of reshoring production in Europe offers additional opportunities. However, the lack of skilled labor and fluctuations in energy prices remain major obstacles. In conclusion, CAEN division 245 is one of the cornerstones of the Romanian manufacturing industry, with good prospects if modernization and export-oriented strategies are adopted.