No matter what your metal project is, it will likely have a significant impact on your organization, workflow, or general safety. It is essential to partner with a metal fabricator that understands the end goal and can get there efficiently and effectively. A reliable metal fabrication partner should also have a proven track record of being able to meet deadlines, ensuring your projects are completed on time and within scope.
There are many factors to consider when choosing a long-term metal fabrication partner, and whether your project is large or small, it is essential to choose a business that best aligns with your needs, expectations, and hopes for the future. A metal fabricator is creating something long-lasting and substantial for your business; you want to partner with an excellent one.
Before you choose a long-term metal fabrication partner, here are some areas to consider and questions to ask while shopping around.
Why Partnership Matters in Metal Fabrication
The project you are hiring a metal fabricator for is going to have a significant impact on the environment and the people surrounding it. Additionally, it is likely to be a long-standing piece or have an influence on the workings of machinery and safety. No matter what, the project should be looked at as of the highest importance to ensure the best quality now and in the years to come.
You want to choose the right metal fabrication partner that can be there for the current project, answer questions down the line, and even for possible projects later on. Additionally, finding a good partnership means the metal fabricator can get to know you, your workflows, and your needs, ensuring your expectations are met, improvements can be suggested, and costs can be worked on together.
Finding a long-term metal fabrication partner means you have a reliable source you can go to now and in the years to come. The right metal fabrication partner can support projects across various industries, adapting to different requirements and standards.
Where is the Metal Fabricator Located?
Location is an essential piece of finding a metal fabricator you can partner with long-term.
It can be beneficial to find a metal fabrication partner based in the U.S., as compliance with applicable laws and regulations will be ensured, especially if you are ordering pre-engineered parts or safety materials. Moreover, if you can find a fabricator who is close to you, in the same state or even city, you can reduce shipping costs and even build a better communication strategy, since time zones don’t differ and meetings can be held in person if needed.
Collaborating with a metal fabricator who is located close to you can lead to improved problem-solving, better communication, quicker turnaround times, and much more.
What Are Their Capabilities As a Metal Fabricator? Do They Match Your Needs?
A good metal fabrication partner will be able to provide you with the metal solutions you are looking for. For example, if you need pre-engineered parts created, something structured using a specific type of metal, or a project that requires specific machinery, you will want to examine these aspects and ensure that the metal fabricator can produce those products adequately. A capable fabricator should also be able to manufacture heavy machine parts and industrial metal parts for demanding applications.
Take the time to research and ask metal fabricators whether they have the capabilities to meet your project’s needs. Advanced equipment, such as laser cutters and various tools, is essential for precise fabrication, especially when needing to cut metal to exact specifications. If they don’t, they might have similar techniques that could work as well, if not better. This question will ensure you partner with someone who can provide the right metal production.
A comprehensive manufacturing process and expertise in manufacturing are key indicators of a fabricator’s ability to meet diverse project needs.
What is Their Expertise? Value Factor?
A metal fabrication company might have skills in many areas, covering a broad range of services and industries, but it can be wise to find out what their expertise is. If your project is semi-specific to your industry or needs, you want a metal fabrication company that can live up to those standards.
Many metal fabrication companies have their own specialties, whether that be through a specific metal type, cutting or welding method, or project type. Expertise in the most common types of metal fabrication is especially valuable, as these categories are key for different applications and industries.
This is also your chance to learn what sort of licenses and accreditations the metal fabrication company has to ensure they are equipped with the proper tools and expertise for your project. Additionally, you should learn what their process is when taking on new clients and projects and ensure it aligns with your timeline and needs.
When evaluating their process, ask about the use of detailed shop drawings with intended measurements, as these ensure accuracy and the ability to achieve tight tolerances throughout the project.
Expertise in finishing processes, such as powder coating or anodizing, further demonstrates a fabricator’s value.
Do They Have a Good Reputation Within the Industry?
Your choice of metal fabricator should not be made on your own. If they are closely located to you, it can be wise to ask others in your industry and others who may have crossed paths with them, how they liked them, what their experience was, and if they are still satisfied with the end project. Reputation is especially important in the metal fabrication industry, a crucial sector within the global economy, where trust and proven results are key to long-term success. Dig deep into their processes and values and see if they align with your own.
This is your chance to see any red flags before you take that first step, or see if they are exactly what you are looking for and more.
What is Their Type of Communication? Does it Align With What Your Project Needs?
Every metal fabricator will have their own processes, communication preferences, and project timelines. Clear communication about lead time is essential to ensure expectations are managed and deadlines are met. When you are choosing a long-term metal fabrication partner, you want to find one that aligns with your needs as an organization and a client. If you are looking for frequent communication, fast turnaround times, and collaboration, don’t choose anything less.
Ask the metal fabrication company beforehand how they approach new clients and what their processes are, and take the time to find one that aligns.
Is The Metal Fabricator Flexible?
Some projects might not go as planned, or some project needs will change completely from step one to step five. Is your metal fabricator flexible enough to handle possible changes and bumps in the process? If they have strict processes and methods, they might not be open to outside ideas or necessary workarounds if something goes differently.
A metal fabricator that is flexible and adaptable within a project can ensure that you are getting the best service and attention possible from step one to drop off. Working with a fabricator who offers a range of services under one roof can make it easier to adapt to changes and deliver high-quality products.
If you are looking for a long-term metal fabrication partner, don’t be afraid to ask questions and be upfront with what you need and expect. A good partner will meet you where you are. If you have questions ready, contact the team at Gieske.