While the public may understand such terms as fabricator, machine shop and contracting, they may not be aware of the term “industrial contracting.” This is particularly clear if you attach the words fabrication shop. However, some shops in Cleveland are now venturing into this one area. They do so as a means of increasing their versatility and improving their market chances.
What Are Sheet Metal Industrial Contractors?
The term industrial contractor can be applied to many different trades and shops. The term is used on sites and by companies in regards to their electrical installation or mechanical services. In some instances, the distinction between industrial construction and industrial contracting seems to be ignored or at least blurred. However, both soft and hard trades can become involved in this area, including fabricators.
Sheet metal fabrication shops can be industrial contractors providing they are prepared to expand their resources and work base. Industrial contractors tackle a variety of tasks for various industries including:
* Design
* Create a prototype
* Fabricate the item
* Produce it in specified amounts
* Installation – depends upon the project
Actual work may involve structural fabrication or new construction. It could focus on in-kind replacement, or on machinery, conveyor, chute or enclosure fabrication.
To be successful in this aspect of the market, fabricators have to manage their time, their employees and their materials with extraordinary skill and care. Everything must be done in a timely fashion. Missing a deadline is not an option. Safe and successful projects are a necessity if the fabrication shop is to be a success in industrial contracting.
Projects and Products
Industrial contractors can tackle everything and anything a manufacturer throws at them – as long as it falls within their mandate. Projects may be for various industrial concerns including:
* Automotive
* Chemical – mixing tanks
* Construction – architectural metal, fabrication or replacement of such things catwalks, guarding & barriers, mezzanines or platforms
support structures and stairs
* Energy
* Food processing – holding tanks and mixing tanks
* General manufacturing
* Oil and Gas
* Pulp and Paper
* Waste Water
* Water
In undertaking such tasks, some of the smaller fabrication shops in Cleveland may be at a disadvantage. If the requirement is for large steel pillars or shafts, the space may simply be not sufficient.
Industrial Contracting and Fabricators
For a fabricating shop in Cleveland to expand successfully into the field of contracting, requires strategic planning. It also demands integrity, quality control and, of course professionalism. The employees must be capable of handling whatever specifications, contingencies and the curves that make industrial contracting so very challenging but also rewarding at the successful completion of every job.
