Why You Should Find a Metal Shop (Before You Need One)
When you are starting a business or any kind of operation that involves equipment and machinery, whether it is a restaurant, food processing plant, a manufacturing facility, an auto body shop, etc., finding a great metal shop to work with is very important. Even though your future metal equipment needs may not be top-of-mind, planning ahead can save you money, time, and headaches.
There are several reasons having someone you trust for your metal needs is important. Here are just a few:
1. Equipment breaks and gets damaged
Those expensive machines that you invested in to run your operation will inevitably break, become damaged, or wear out. Not planning ahead for this can put your business behind and inconvenience you, customers, and employees.
2. You may need specialized pieces of equipment as you get further down the road
In a typical, non-specialized business, the basic equipment is probably all you need when starting out. However, as you begin to grow, become more established, and have unique needs, specialized equipment may be needed. Our engineers can work with you and your team to help create the right tools to help you increase your business’s productivity and bottom line.
3. Reduce unnecessary delays
Not having someone trusted to call immediately in an emergency can result in unnecessary downtimes. Taking the time to find someone you trust to call when needed is a much better idea than waiting until something breaks, you need something fabricated, or equipment requires servicing, and then having to scramble to find someone last minute.
So, what is the best way to find a great metal shop that you can work with for years to come?
5 Tips for Finding a Metal Shop:
1. Look at their level of experience.
Check the shop’s website to make sure they employ experienced staff. Additionally, check to see that they have engineers, welders, maintenance workers, and additional staff to assist you with any on-site needs you may have.
2. Pay attention to professionalism (prompt replies, politeness, up-frontness, etc.).
If you sense any “shadiness” or unprofessional behavior at the beginning of your relationship, you can be certain that it will get worse in the future. You want to find a metal shop that will handle your projects and needs with respect, promptness, and efficiency.
3. Recommendations and reviews
Word of mouth is the best place to get recommendations, and online reviews can be very telling of how the metal shop will serve you.
4. Get estimates in advance
Figure out what things may cost before you have a need. Ballpark estimates for basic services and repairs on key equipment and facility updates can help you plan and budget for future needs. Things to price out ahead of time may include food preparation surfaces, ventilation, piping, hourly maintenance rates, material handling equipment repairs, parts cutting, and more. Every project is unique, but having fair expectations for the future can go a long way toward avoiding unpleasant surprises, while also giving you a sense for the shop’s pricing.
5. Check out quality of past projects and materials
Normally, metal shops will have a portfolio or a gallery on their website of projects they have worked on. Shops can generally also provide photos and references to past work that may be more specific to your project. Great shops will even invite you to tour their facilities and see their on-going projects. It’s a good idea to check out their workmanship and make sure the grade, sourcing, and availability of the materials meet your needs.
Why Sattler Manufacturing?
At Sattler Manufacturing, we are committed to providing the highest quality custom metal services and products. We have been in operation for more than 40 years and have an experienced team to help you with any metal fabrication project from start to finish. From designing it with our team of engineers, to fabricating it with state of the art equipment, to maintenance for years to come, we can assist you at every step of the way.
Contact us today for a quote on your next project or with any questions. We will be happy to assist you and become your go-to metal fabrication shop!