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Many industries, including transportation, defense, aerospace, oil and gas, plumbing and construction, use fabricated metal products. They are largely responsible for the continued growth in the industry that makes those products.
They're created by taking simple parts and forming them into another shape or assembly.
An example is taking a metal sheet and creating a hubcap by pressing it into the right shape and punching bolt holes in it.
Methods
Computer numerical control (CNC) machines make up a sizable portion of the industry's fabrication capacity. Processes that fabricators use include welding, water-jet cutting, forming and machining.
Water jet technology uses extremely high-pressure water (up to 100,000 psi) to cut intricate patterns into metal without the deforming sometimes experienced with blades or plasma.
Fusing parts can now be achieved through computer-controlled laser welders that operate with a lower heat impact than other types of welding.
Industry Growth
The 4,539 fabricated metal products companies that make up the industry have been affected somewhat by the trade war and tariffs.
That's to be expected since they rely on heavily affected source materials. Since new metal tariffs haven't been added and domestic sources have begun to spring up, however, the industry has experienced overall growth.
Data collected by MNI, compiler and publisher of the industrial data that powers IndustryNet, shows that revenue has increased by 2.37% between July 2018 and July 2019.
That has taken total revenue from $39.4 billion to $40.3 billion. Total jobs in the industry also increased by 2.16%, from 114,432 to 116,905.
Nine Largest Suppliers of Fabricated Metal Products
Here are the top nine companies in the industry, based on the number of employees:
Flint Metal Fabrication
Employees on site: 1,400
Also known as Flint Metal Center, the facility creates components for a variety of General Motors vehicles. It supplies about 740 discrete parts that are subsequently sent to 20 other plants for use in vehicle assembly.
GBC Metals, LLC
Employees on site: 1,100
A subsidiary of Global Brass and Copper Holdings, Inc., GBC Metals manufactures brass, copper, aluminum and steel parts.
Spraying Systems Co.
Employees on site: 1,000
In addition to a complete line of spray nozzles and automated spray systems, Spraying Systems Co. fabricates its own lances, injectors, quills, headers and manifolds.
ATI Specialty Alloys & Components
Employees on site: 900
ATI Specialty Alloys & Components is a major supplier to precision industries such as aerospace and chemical processing.
It works with reactive and refractory metals common to high-heat applications such as inside turbine engines.
Behlen Mfg. Co.
Employees on site: 700
With several companies acquired over the past few decades, Behlen Mfg. Co. has the capacity to fabricate large and small parts.
One division specializes in precision-winding of capacitors while another creates parts for grain silos.
Varsity Brands Holding Co., Inc.
Employees on site: 650
Through its subsidiaries, Varsity Brands Holding Co. manufactures school memorabilia, sports and exercise equipment.
MOR/ryde, Inc.
Employees on site: 600
A supplier of components for private, commercial and recreational vehicles, MOR/ryde also fabricates custom parts for manufacturers.
Its process is completely turnkey from concept and engineering to delivery to the customer.
Arrow Fabricated Tubing
Employees on site: 600
With more than 20 years of experience, Arrow Fabricated Tubing custom-fabricates copper and aluminum tubes for the HVAC industry.
Allegion US Holding Co., Inc.
Employees on site: 500
Allegion US Holding Co. Inc is the U.S.- based subsidiary of Allegion Plc.
Its main focus is security components such as locks, biometric devices and door strikes.
For More Information on Procuring Fabricated Metal Products
If you're looking for a metal fabrication supplier, look no further than IndustryNet. Compiled by experts, the information listed in its free industrial marketplace can help a company make the best decision possible when it comes to forming parts. Every qualified supplier that can meet your needs can be found on IndustryNet.
With 400,000 manufacturers in every industry at your fingertips, you'll be able to make the right choice for your business.
IndustryNet also provides a marketing platform for U.S. industrial companies to reach a relevant market for their parts, products, supplies and services. Learn more about our marketing solutions.
Article Sources:
https://www.osha.gov/pls/imis/sic_manual.display?id=27&tab=group
https://www.scantechlaser.com/blog/5-uses-of-cnc-laser-welding-machine/
https://www.iqsdirectory.com/fabricated-metal-products/
All other sources are hyperlinked
