Potential Impediment of Foundry Capacity Relative to National Defense Needs
EMD-81-134
Published: Sep 15, 1981. Publicly Released: Sep 15, 1981.
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Highlights
GAO expressed concern that the potential impediment of foundry capacity relative to national defense needs is a possible problem heightened by contemplated increases in defense expenditures. Since 1957, about 1400 small foundries have closed. Apparently, this trend has not had a significant impact on total foundry capacity; however, recent closures of large automotive foundries could have different, adverse repercussions. These closures have reduced domestic casting capacity by over 1 million tons in 1980. This tonnage loss is equal to about 5 percent of foundry shipping capacity of all metals.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Commerce | The Departments of Defense and Commerce should promptly initiate a joint study to identify further data requirements, then determine whether there is an imminent foundry capacity problem relative to increased defense spending, to surge, or to emergency mobilization needs. The Departments of Defense and Commerce should also keep the following concerned congressional committees advised of study plans and the expected availability of study findings: the Senate Select Committee on Small Business; the House and Senate Committees on Armed Services; the House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Defense; and the House Committee on Banking, Finance, and Urban Affairs, Subcommittee on Economic Stabilization. |
GAO has no information on the actions taken in response to this recommendation.
|
| Department of Defense | The Departments of Defense and Commerce should promptly initiate a joint study to identify further data requirements, then determine whether there is an imminent foundry capacity problem relative to increased defense spending, to surge, or to emergency mobilization needs. The Departments of Defense and Commerce should also keep the following concerned congressional committees advised of study plans and the expected availability of study findings: the Senate Select Committee on Small Business; the House and Senate Committees on Armed Services; the House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Defense; and the House Committee on Banking, Finance, and Urban Affairs, Subcommittee on Economic Stabilization. |
GAO has no information on the actions taken in response to this recommendation.
|
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Combat readinessDatabasesDefense capabilitiesDefense contingency planningDefense industryMetalsMobilizationProduction engineeringProperty and supply managementIndustrial preparedness