Some custom metal fabrication projects are so difficult, they quickly separate the average from the exceptional. These challenges get passed from shop to shop, with different fabricators trying and failing to deliver on the most exacting, precision sheet metal fabrication requirements.
Fortunately, all is not lost. There are three simple steps a company can take to better position themselves to tackle the industry’s toughest challenges.
1. GROW DEEP ROOTS
When it comes to precision sheet metal fabrication, the deeper your roots the better. And while establishing deep roots is about as simple as it gets, it doesn’t happen overnight. A fabricator’s strength lies in their track record of adapting and delivering exceptional products over time.
Another part of deep roots is a shop’s experience. Without a highly experienced team of engineers, machine operators, fabricators and welders, the best possible results will always be out of reach. A fabricator needs to be focused on attracting exceptional talent. They also need to invest in the continuing education of existing personnel.
When you combine diligent work over time with ongoing investment in personnel, you have the strongest foundation for fabrication possible.
2. STAY AHEAD OF THE COMPETITION
There are quite a few custom fabricators in the world today. But for a shop to succeed where others have failed, they need to focus on staying ahead. Years ahead.
This means more than just investing in state-of-the-art equipment. It means training your staff to operate and innovate with that equipment. Innovation lies at the core of complex problem-solving.
It’s also essential for a fabricator to stay ahead of demand. The types of enclosures, components and finished products the world needs inevitably change over time. Continuing education, market research and close collaboration with industry leaders are all key strategies for delivering solutions to the most prescient problems.
3. BE A TRUE PARTNER – FROM START TO FINISH
A shop that focuses on just fulfillment may deliver high-quality results, but they can’t do much to solve a problem that started way back in the design stage.
A true partner in precision sheet metal fabrication joins at the earliest phase of the design process. They identify potential pitfalls and creative solutions long before the project hits the shop floor. Then they follow the project every step of the way, streamlining and problem-solving, to ensure minimal time is lost on false starts or failed prototypes.
SIMPLE DOESN’T ALWAYS MEAN EASY
While these three steps may be simple and straightforward, they’re hard to get right. A fabricator has to invest an enormous amount of time and resources into their process, personnel and equipment before they can reach such a high standard. Perhaps that’s why many shops continue to struggle to hit the mark when a demanding, complex project comes their way.
JONES METAL SOLVES PROBLEMS OTHER FABRICATORS CAN’T
Jones Metal doesn’t flinch in the face of a tough problem, because we’ve been following these three steps for nearly 80 years now. In fact, we’ve made it our specialty to meet the challenges that other fabricators can’t.
Whether an OEM is in the business of nuclear power generation, renewable energy, heavy construction equipment, consumer packaging or U.S. military contracts, we’ve proven time and again we’ve got the skills to see the project through, on time, from start to finish.