If you have a big project coming up, it’s always convenient to partner with a reliable metal fabrication company. Choosing the best candidate for the job is often a challenge, considering the many several metal fabrication companies. We understand how difficult it is to narrow down your search to just one company out of the many options.
We’ve done the research, so you won’t have to, and we’ve come up with a cheat sheet to help you make the right pick. Below are the crucial factors to consider when looking to hire a metal fabrication company. Read through to the end- you’ve got this!
Location
Many people consider this a bonus point, but we don’t. Here’s why. Imagine choosing a company located somewhere on the west coast, and your construction project is located in the heart of New York City. The problem comes in when you have to make regular visits to the factory and when delivering the finished products.
To be on a safer side, narrow down your options by shortlisting those companies within a given distance from your construction site. This will save you time and money.
Capacity and production versatility
Depending on what you want the company to manufacture, you should make sure that they can deliver the products within a given time limit. At times, the final product involves a couple of processes such as cutting, welding, assembly, heat treating, etc. This can affect the speed of production.
If your company of choice can’t deliver all the services within a stipulated time, it’s in your best interest to keep looking.
Quality
Perhaps the most critical aspect to look out for is the quality of the final product. Before committing to work with a given fabrication company, you want to make sure that their final product meets your quality standards.
Quality products may be costly, but they are durable and reliable in the long run. Certain companies have decided to build their brand on quality. According to https://aero-flex.aero, combining the latest fabrication techniques with high-quality raw materials gives the best of end products.
Technology
It’s no secret that technology is the game-changer in all industries, whether manufacturing, processing, or construction. Companies that are ahead of others often leverage technology to put them ahead of the competition. Think of a metal fabrication company that uses robots, for example, and compare with one where manual labor is the order of the day. Which one will you prefer?
Experience
Experience is often based on numbers, and numbers don’t lie. A metal fabrication company that has been in the market for ten years can’t compete with the one that’s just starting out. Customer trust is one of the aspects that’s hard to build and easy to lose.
The next time you’re choosing a metal fabrication company, keep in mind the number of years they have been offering the kind of services you’re particularly interested in. This will give you peace of mind, so you can focus on what you do best. Ten years of market experience is often a good number.
Certification
Besides working with certified personnel such as engineers, your preferred company should meet the ISO 9001 and AS9100D certifications. These credentials cover everything required by the law, from quality and safety to company registration and industry compliance.
To get this right, make sure you ask the metal fabrication company about their certification. If they don’t have any of the two, you have the right to question their integrity.
Customer service
This is one of the most overlooked factors that clients come to resent about later on. Have you ever worked with a stubborn secretary or maybe a harsh customer support agent? How did you feel about their products after the incident? Exactly, you don’t want to repeat the same mistake.
Before falling for the impressive workforce, the latest technologies, and even the many years of experience, try to test their customer support desk. Are they reliable, dependable, and caring for the clients’ needs?
Facilities
The company’s size will play a key role in determining the kind of resources and customer services the business can afford to offer. Maybe you want a company that will deliver the end products to your site free of charge. Sometimes, you just want to be sure that they have what it takes to beat the deadline.
By checking and inquiring more about the facilities, resources, and equipment they have at hand, you can quickly evaluate if they can meet your unique needs.
Honesty
You probably didn’t see this coming, did you? Not all the companies out there are going to be straightforward with you. Some will play catch up with the kind of services they offer. Most will make false promises, and a few will answer your questions right. Pay attention to those that will acknowledge difficulties and keep in mind those that will keep it real.
Honesty is a vital attribute of any business. It sets the tone for the kind of work culture you’re looking for. If a potential candidate passes all the tests and fails with this one, it’s not your type. You want a partner that guarantees consistent workplace behavior, where there are no trust and loyalty issues.
An honest company will explain their kind of services without trying to buy you out. If honesty prevails, you can communicate effectively, and you’ll partner without challenges.
Bonus point
The above factors are probably enough to make sure you put your money where they belong. However, we have a bonus point. We believe it will come in handy if you’re trying out a new company for the first time.
Before you can rush things up, take a step back and do your research. Try to check the company’s financial stability. Do they have a good relationship with their vendors and suppliers? Do they keep their promise? What do previous clients say about their services?
You’ll be shocked to learn that everything you need to know lies within the answers to these questions.
