The Forging Industry Association has released figures indicating that 2007 was a record-breaking year for the industry. Final revised 2007 sales figures for independent (custom) forging plants in the United States, Canada, and Mexico reached all-time highs for impression die forging, open die forging, and seamless ring rolling, the three major processes used by the industry.

Custom forging industry sales (shipments) in North America last year were as follows:

• Impression die – $6.15 billion, up 5% from 2006

• Open die - $1.79 billion, up 18% from 2006

• Seamless rings - $1.45 billion, up 19% from 2006

Bookings for custom forgers also were up as follows:

• Impression die – $6.25 billion, up 3% from 2006

• Open die - $1.76 billion, up 12% from 2006

• Seamless rings - $1.54 billion, up 17% from 2006