ABSTRACT
COVID-19 has caused a global pandemic since December 2019. It has impacted not only the wellbeing of human society but also has been damaging to the global economy. This has imposed severe threats and challenges on businesses. The British government has launched aid schemes to combat the new scenarios developed as a result of the pandemic. This paper aims to assess the impact of COVID-19 on foundries in the UK. Recorded responses from a detailed survey of the British foundries were analysed and short- and long-term action plans for the foundries are suggested. The current status, challenges, and future direction of the UK foundries are discussed. An opinion for the use of additive technologies with business model innovation for the de-centralised foundries is presented. © 2021, The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society.