Using the StålFe Directory and Aquagroup Partner vs Open-Market Search
2026-07-17
European sourcing teams usually run two tracks: open-market research (including French federation members) and managed partner capacity. StålFe publishes both — clearly separated.
Track A — Educational directory
The French forge & foundry directory indexes Fédération Forge Fonderie public listings with filters for materials, département and categories such as investment casting or forging. Use it to:
- Understand which process languages are common in France.
- Plan technical visits by region.
- Benchmark what local suppliers claim before you RFQ.
Profiles are educational. They are not StålFe endorsements.
Track B — Approved Manufacturing Partner
Aquagroup is presented as StålFe’s Approved Manufacturing Partner for qualified Indian foundry capacity with European commercial coordination. Use this track when you need:
- Volume and cost structure that French lead times cannot meet.
- Engineering + quality + logistics wrapped into one interface.
- Comparable documentation packs for EU plants.
Keep the RFQ pack identical
Whether you email a French listing or a partner foundry, freeze the same drawing revision, alloy, CT class, NDT and Incoterms. Knowledge Centre anchors:
CTA
Research openly in the directory, compare with the Aquagroup partner page, then request an industrial RFQ through StålFe.