Frequently Asked Questions

What types of metal fabrication services does Jones Metal offer?

Jones Metal offers a variety of metal fabrication solutions, including laser cutting, press brake, roll forming, machining, welding, and finish coating.

Which industries does Jones Metal specialize in serving?

Jones Metal services many industries, but we have specialized in Power Generation, Heavy Equipment/OEM, Agriculture, Automated Packaging, US Military, and Custom Applications.

What materials can Jones Metal work with?

Jones Metal has the machinery and expertise to work with Aluminum, Copper, Stainless Steel, Carbon Steel, Mild Steel (Low Carbon Steel), Galvanized Steel, and various other metals.

What certifications or quality standards does Jones Metal meet?

We are ISO 9001:2015 certified. Jones Metal is also a Certified Woman-Owned Business through the WBENC program. In addition, we are expecting to achieve Level 2 compliance for the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) by the end of 2025. This certification is important for work within the Department of Defense military supply chain.

How does the custom metal fabrication process work at Jones Metal?

We have developed a Proven Process that starts with being sure we are aligned with your business needs and goals and ends with an ongoing Partnership. We strive for strong communication throughout our relationships to best serve everyone.

• Align 
• Design
• Refine
• Fabricate
• Deliver
• Partner

Can Jones Metal assist with design and engineering for my project?

Yes – one of our key strengths is to offer design suggestions or Design for Manufacturability (DMF), which can often improve how the part can be produced as well as reduce both lead time and cost. We typically do not do original product design, but in some cases, we can help with this as well.

Can you assemble complete products or subassemblies?

Yes – we can provide full product assemblies, subassemblies, and integration per your specifications. In fact, we have a separate facility next to our main building that can be used for assembly work and storage for inventory management.

What is the typical lead time for a custom project?

Most of our custom projects are unique and therefore have a wide range of lead times depending on what is required to complete the project. Some factors include how much engineering time will be needed before production, complexity of welding time involved, and how many total hours of shop time is needed to go through all necessary processes. Simple projects, such as laser-cut only parts, may take 5-6 weeks, and very complex projects may take 10-12 weeks.

What information do I need to provide to get an accurate quote?

To provide a swift and accurate quote, we need some basic information. This includes detailed drawings (DXF, .DWG, .STEP, and PDF formats are best) which provide material type, thickness, tolerance callouts, weld symbols, and finish specifications if one is to be applied. Quantities to be quoted are also important, as well as the Estimated Annual Usage (EAU). We produce 80% of our quotes in less than 2 days to help keep your projects on track and moving.

What are transformer enclosures, and why are they important?

Transformer enclosures are a cabinet or housing typically made of steel that protect the internal components from environmental elements. The enclosure also helps protect the end user or anyone else that may come in contact with the transformer from accidental contact with live components. These are also typically outdoors, so they need to be sturdy enough to withstand the harsh effects of the weather over time. 

What types of transformer enclosures does Jones Metal manufacture?

Our ENVALT product line provides leakproof Pad Mount Transformer enclosures manufactured for single-phase, three-phase, and custom-sized pad mount transformers.  Mild Steel and Stainless Steel options up to 1000 kVA available with powder coat finishing.

How does Jones Metal ensure the quality and durability of its products?

Jones Metal ensures quality by following our established ISO 9001-2015 processes, design for manufacturing processes, in-process operational standard operating procedures, including quality plans. We also recently built a dedicated Quality lab where our team can perform testing to be sure our products meet all specifications.

What finishing options are available for fabricated parts?

Jones Metal Inc. offers wet paint in-house, powder coat paint, and plating through our partners, who are regularly audited per our process.

Does Jones Metal offer shipping for finished products?

At Jones Metal, we take pride in offering top-notch service from start to finish. We have invested in our own trucks to handle deliveries within about a 2-hour drive from our facility in Mankato, and we use common carriers as well.