Next-Gen Metal Fab

• Understanding the impact of tariffs on metal fabrication businesses

  Tim Heston, Lance Thrailkill, Caleb Chamberlain, and Cody Lee discuss how the everchanging tariffs on imported metals have led to significant volatility and price increases, challenges for manufacturers, and domestic mills raising prices to match the tariffs rather than passing along the benefits. They explore strategies for diversifying customer bases, improving operational efficiency, and leveraging technology to streamline sales and quality processes. The conversation highlights the importance of adaptability, value-added services, and forging strong partnerships with customers in the evolving manufacturing landscape. Email Tim at [email protected] with any comments or questions. Learn more about the 2025 FMA Annual Meeting.

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• The wide spectrum of business models in sheet metal fabrication

  Cody Lee from Everyday Technologies and Lance Thrailkill from All Metals Fabricating join the Next-Gen Metal Fab and Tim Heston as new co-hosts with Caleb Chamberlain from OSH Cut. The discussion touches on the history and evolution of their businesses, the role of automation and software in improving efficiency and productivity, and the various models and trends emerging in the metal manufacturing industry. Tim, Caleb, Cody, and Lance also talk about the evolving landscape of the industry, including the potential for symbiotic relationships between different types of sheet metal fabrication businesses, and the shift in mindset from focusing on machine productivity to optimizing the entire production flow. Email Tim at [email protected] with any comments or questions. Learn more about the 2025 FMA Annual Meeting.

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• Finding new ways to grow business in metal fabrication

  In this episode, Tim Heston and Caleb Chamberlain dive into the future of custom metal fabrication, exploring what the next several years could hold for this ever-evolving industry. They discuss how technology, particularly software and AI, is reshaping the landscape, driving trends like horizontal and vertical integration and paving the way for industry consolidation in metal manufacturing. Email Tim at [email protected] with any comments or questions. Learn more about the 2025 FMA Annual Meeting.

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• Strategies for hiring the right metal fabrication shop employee

  Tim and Caleb discuss the challenges of hiring and retaining employees in the metal fabrication industry, particularly at high-mix, high-volume fab shops. Caleb talks about how his company has found success by hiring people without prior fabrication experience and training them in-house and focusing on creating a collaborative, positive work environment with clear processes and systems to reduce stress. They also talk about the fact people need livable wages, and without that, workers are going to continue to move from shop to shop. Tim and Caleb also talk about the benefits of cross-training shop floor employees in software development and equipment operation as well as the importance of building a strong, engaged team to support business growth and success. Email Tim and Caleb at [email protected] with any comments or questions. Learn more about the Pipe + Tube Conference.

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• Measuring costs and the value of time in metal fabrication

  Tim and Caleb discuss cost and time management in metal fabrication and job shop operations. They talk lean manufacturing, cash flow, margins, different approaches to cost accounting, and the importance of managing overhead costs. The conversation also touches on topics such as inventory, direct costs, remnant management, and the use of automation in the fabrication process. They reference two books on the topic: Rebirth of American Industry: A Study of Lean Management by William H. Waddell and Norman Bodek as well as The Monetary Value of Time: Why Traditional Accounting Systems Make Customers Wait by Joyce Warnacut. Email Tim and Caleb at [email protected] with any comments or questions. Learn more about The Fabricator's Tech Summit.

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