November 2025 Volume 7

FOUNDATION NEWS

SFSA and the FIERF Forging Competition – Celebrating Craft and Innovation Finally, FIA and FIERF have partnered with the Steel Founders’ Society of America (SFSA) to launch the FIERF Forging Competition. This event not only celebrates the skill of forging but also encourages creativity, sustainability, and cross-disciplinary innovation. Students, educators, and professionals alike are invited to participate, helping to showcase forging as both an art and a science. The 2026 Forging Competition challenges students to creatively design and forge a functioning American Felling Axe. The competition builds awareness among students while fostering camaraderie across the broader metals industry.

Looking Ahead As FIA and FIERF plan for the future, these partnerships will only grow in significance. Programs like METAL are still in their early phases, but with strong industry engagement they have the potential to reshape the forging workforce for decades. Collaborations with robotics and automation institutes promise to help forging plants remain competitive on the global stage. And outreach through merit badges, scholarships, and competitions ensures that the forging story continues to inspire. By working alongside other associations, nonprofits, universities, and government partners, FIA and FIERF are securing a stronger future for forging, one partnership at a time.

For more information on FIERF and FIA workforce development efforts please contact FIERF Executive Director, Amanda Dureiko at amanda@forging.org.

For information regarding FIA and ongoing government projects and engagement please contact Dekland Barnum, Technical Director, at dekland@forging.org.

It's now quick & easy to donate to the Forging Foundation. Just go to www.fierf.org and click on the "Donate" tab. Make your donation today!

Why Partnerships Matter The breadth of FIA and FIERF’s partnerships demonstrates a central truth: no single organization can meet the forging industry’s challenges alone. Whether the issue is workforce shortages, global competition, technological change, or community engagement, solutions require collaboration. Through alliances with research institutes, workforce nonprofits, trade associations, and community groups, FIA and FIERF amplify their impact. These partnerships help: • Secure funding and government support for forging initiatives. • Develop training programs that prepare students and workers for long-term careers. • Promote technology adoption that modernizes forging operations. • Advocate effectively at the national level for policies that support manufacturers. • Engage youth and communities, ensuring the next generation understands forging’s importance. In short, partnerships allow FIA and FIERF to extend their reach well beyond the association’s walls—positioning forging as a critical pillar of the North American manufacturing landscape.

FIA MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2025 54