6 Reasons to Choose Custom Stainless Steel Fabrication

In his 1913 quest to create a corrosion-resistant metal for weapons, Harry Brearley, an English metallurgist, experimented with chromium steel and carbon. Upon noticing that the chromium metals were oddly resistant to the polishing chemicals he was using, he made the accidental discovery of “rust-less steel” - now known as stainless steel. More than a century later, stainless steel has become one of the most used materials in fabrication as well as residential, commercial, and industrial projects. You’ve likely seen it in many places including siding on houses, parts on an airplane, and even in landmarks like the Bean in Chicago’s Millennium Park. The reason being - it’s proven to be an extremely versatile, adaptable product. [...]

By Ken Carlton|November 9, 2022|manufacturing|

How To Leverage Manufacturing Technology for Growth

It’s no secret the manufacturing industry has been confronted with major challenges the last couple of years. Beyond pandemic closures – supply chain breakdowns, labor shortages and rising material costs continue to present major production obstacles. And if that hasn’t been enough to deal with, you can add inflation and economic uncertainty to the mix. Despite this, manufacturing can bounce back. But to stay competitive during this ramp-up, you must invest in new technology and learn to use it to your full potential. Let’s take a closer look at the tools and tech your facility needs to stay one step ahead. Warehouse Management Systems and Enterprise Resource Platforms In today's world, cloud-based technology continues to become a [...]

By Ken Carlton|September 16, 2022|manufacturing|

Guide to Improving Quality Control for OEM’s

If you’re working in the original equipment manufacturing sector, you understand improving quality control is essential for success at all levels. Studies show that companies that lack effective quality control often incur costs that account for 15-20% of sales due to product defects and errors, weakening customer relationships, and an overall damaging brand resulting from poor quality management. To help you learn how to establish and benefit from proper quality control, we’re breaking down the steps you should take in your OEM facility to minimize risk and increase your organization’s value. Standardize Your Systems It’s important to standardize your systems to understand which operations are helping or hurting your quality control – and paper processes make [...]

By Ken Carlton|July 18, 2022|manufacturing, quality materials|

4 Ways to Make Your Construction Project More Sustainable

As construction and demolition materials pile up quickly, the construction industry poses a substantial threat to the environment. By 2025, the volume of construction waste is expected to increase to 2.2 billion tons every year. The construction industry has a chance to make more responsible choices with an eye toward sustainability. With a proper strategy for going green in place, companies can save time and materials and improve their bottom line. In this post, we’re breaking down the ways the construction industry can have an impact by making projects more sustainable. Efficient Building Design & Material Selection While material choice undoubtedly needs careful thought, it is important to also consider the bigger picture. Materials are just [...]

By Ken Carlton|June 10, 2022|energy efficiency,, manufacturing, Prefabricated Designs, Prefabricated Structures|

Guide to Reducing Downtime in Manufacturing

Downtime is a serious threat to any original equipment manufacturing business. A total of 82% of manufacturing companies have experienced unplanned downtime over the past three years, which can cost a company as much as $260,000 an hour. When unplanned downtime occurs, no value is being produced but the cost of overhead operations continues to grow, which directly impacts your bottom line. Downtime can happen for several reasons. Reducing the amount of time that production idles is crucial to increasing efficiency and improving your overall revenue margins. Let’s take a closer look at the main causes of unplanned downtime and how to overcome them. Machine Failure The most common cause of unplanned downtime is a breakdown, [...]

By Ken Carlton|May 6, 2022|manufacturing|

Challenges Facing the Aerospace & Defense Industry

The aerospace and defense (A&D) industry reported an 8% decrease in revenue since 2019 and a 61% decrease in operating profit, primarily due to the impacts of the pandemic. A&D has virtually always been on the forefront of product innovation. However, increasing cost challenges and new market dynamics are dramatically changing the way companies serve their customers, collaborate with partners, and take ideas and solutions to market. Let’s take a closer look at some of the major challenges the A&D industry is facing, and how to overcome them. Free Download: Five Techniques to Reduce Aerospace Project Costs Increasing Profitability and Reducing Cost Pressures The rise in the costs of various raw materials is driving down the [...]

By Ken Carlton|May 2, 2022|department of defense certification, manufacturing, military industry|

cmi awarded osha’s sharp

The 35th employer in Illinois to have achieved this prestigious OSHA Cooperative Program. Small business employers who have used OSHA's On-Site Consultation Program services and operate an exemplary safety and health programs.