According to figures released by the Forging Industry Association, 2007 was a record-breaking year for the industry. Final revised figures showing 2007 sales of metal forgings produced by independent (custom) forging plants in the United States, Canada and Mexico proved to be all-time highs for the three major forging processes (impression die, open die and seamless rings). 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 of impression-die forging orders during 2007 increased to $6.52 billion, 3% higher than 2006. Bookings of open-die forging orders last year also increased to 1.76 billion, 12% above the $1.58 billion in 2006. Bookings of seamless-rolled-ring forgings for 2007 jumped to $1.54 billion, 17% above 2006.