Finding Your Metal Fabricator

source: http://www.atc-midwest.com.au/

If you are in the metal fabrication industry, your fabricator is your asset. He is your man! Every metal item you sell is a product of your fabricator. It is essential for you to have this kind of guy to increase sales and to have a good market reputation within the region.

How to find the right man for the job?

There is no specific, guaranteed ways to find him, but I got you some tips than sure can help!

EXPERIENCE

This is the number one qualification and requirement for your man, to be productive, as well as for you to have trust and confidence in him. It demonstrates his track record that holds the reason for his present success and reputation. This kind of a guy will definitely help you avoiding process errors that can lead in wasted time and money. Very unfortunate if happened, I hope not!

You and the company will surely benefit from a fabricator that has experience and knowledge in:

•       Industry Standards, Regulations, Relevant Codes and Ethics
•       Knows what is the most effective and efficient methodologies that will not suffer cost and quality

SKILLS AND CAPABILITIES

For your fabricator to be successful, he should have the set of skills as well as the right attitude in order for him to meet the specific challenges of the project.

Important areas to look for are:

Design capabilities -  he can understand and work from any drawing, whether digital or print copy, also has the ability to translate these drawings into shop drawings and most importantly, he can work a design from scratch.

Materials capabilities – he can work with available sufficient range of metals as well as range of sizes and thickness

             Production capabilities – a wide scope of skills and expertise, includes but not limited to the following:

source: http://www.fabricatingandmetalworking.com/

·         Cutting

·         Metal forming

·         Welding

·         Assembling

·         Fastening

·         Metal finishing – painting or blasting

·         Etch.

He must also produce quality outputs. You can check this by the following criteria:

·         Regular inspection and monitoring of the machinery and equipment

·         Quality Control monitoring of products

·         Meets Client and Industry standards

·         Work side by side with the upper management, clients and subordinates

Management Capabilities – it is not enough that your fabricator is skilled, it is essential that your man has also good management skills so that you will be properly informed about the status of the projects. Your man must provide:

·         Project Time Line and Deadlines

·         Project Status and Reports

·         Quick response to client’s issues and concerns

·         Trouble shooting and accurate problem solving

·         Proper Coordination with the clients and management

These are just some of the tips that definitely help you find the right man for your company. Will you consider them? I hope so.

Hiring this kind of fabricator is not easy at all, but it worth the patience, for this will surely increase your sales, profits, market value and reputation of your company.

This article is made possible by TKL Hardware and Construction.