As Sheet Metal Fabricators, What is an Ideal Partner for Us?

When we get to perform at our best, YOU benefit the most. With nearly two decades of operation under our belt, IMS has learned a lot about what works best for us as a business and how our idiosyncrasies allow us to stand out. We have set up our facilities (and business in general) around the idea of catering to an “ideal partner”. 

Could you be an “ideal partner” for IMS? What does an “ideal partner’ look like? Partners of ours are most successful when they:

  1. Have projects requiring multiple of our services
  2. Need “High Volume, Low Mix” orders
  3. Are open to Flexibility
  4. Trust our tailored process and our experts opinions
  5. Strive for a long term relationship with us

A potential ideal partner doesn’t necessarily have to check off one or more of the criteria above, but the way we have structured IMS, fitting those criteria makes working with us a lot more beneficial. Through years of experience, we have also discovered a specific layout of operations in our 60,000 sq ft facility that allows IMS to perform at our best. This layout is something we like to call “the five points”

The Five Points of IMS Services

The five points are the five general services we provide as sheet metal fabricators: sheet metal laser cutting, bending & forming, welding, powder coating, and assembly and kitting.

When a part moves through all five points, it is streamlined in a way that is not only easier for us to physically fabricate the part from start to finish, but it also allows our five stations to be set up in preparation for that one part. When prepping for fabrication of a part, each station needs to accommodate for the unique requirements of each individual piece being worked on. The layout of these 5 services throughout our shop is set up in a way that helps move the fabrication process smoothly and in a more cost effective way.

employee powde coating at IMS

IMS is Built for High Volume, Low Mix Production Needs

The more time we spend on prepping at a station, the less time we have to fabricate more parts, leading to longer lead times. What is ideal for a production run at IMS is a large order of one or a few similarly fabricated parts. The more similar parts in a production run, the more well-oiled the IMS machine is.

A longer production run gives us the opportunity to identify more ways to cut costs for you. If we know that we are making 1,000 pieces of a certain part scheduled to be fabricated in a week, we can take advantage of the extra time beforehand to utilize a technique called “dynamic nesting”. Dynamic nesting is the nesting of parts that individually meet defined criteria at a given point in time.

IMS can prepare in a way that can ultimately save you money on materials and give you a better time frame on when you can expect your finished product.

Partner Flexibility Offers Opportunity

IMS can also dynamically nest more efficiently when an ideal partner is flexible and allows us to use “KanBan Techniques.” For example, if IMS’ shop is set up for one customer and an “ideal partner’s” fabrication needs are similar, we may ask the “ideal partner” if we can do a production run of one of their products now. We can house an ideal partner’s production run in our warehouse until it is needed. When you require your parts, they will be ready immediately to ship.

It takes a lot to gain someone’s trust, but when trust is given, success isn’t too far behind.

Trust is the Cornerstone of our Relationships

Trust is often described as a cornerstone of the foundation in a relationship. Our ideal partner is open to working closely with IMS’ designers and engineers to discuss design modifications, cost-saving opportunities, and problem-solving. They see the value in our expertise and are willing to tap into it for mutual benefit. 

When partnering with IMS, trusting in our system and staff go a long way.  IMS employs experts who have been in the fabrication industry for decades. Their jobs are to perfect our sheet metal fabrication process, listen to our ideal partner’s needs and provide you with beneficial advice and suggestions in every stage of the fabrication process.

It is this trust in our expertise and the IMS process that will often produce a better outcome for both partners.

A partner who trusts in us enough to provide us with regularly scheduled work, year after year, also helps us identify the unique needs and requirements of their process.

Long-Term Partnerships are What We Strive For

At IMS, an ideal partnership is a long one. When we know what to expect, it’s easier for us to adapt to your companies ever changing needs down the road. It will always be easier to grow and adapt in a long-term partnership than having to restart with a new, unfamiliar one. If work and the details of regular projects are already logged in our system, we can better set ourselves up to accommodate your needs in a faster, more efficient, and cost-effective manner. 

Long term partnerships often lead to more tailored solutions and cost savings as the IMS team becomes intimately familiar with your needs.

Size is Not an Issue

Whether you’re a small, medium, or a large-scale industrial operation, IMS offers metal fabrication solutions tailored to your specific needs. We provide access to advanced manufacturing technology, experienced engineers, and cost-effective production methods. IMS can offer custom solutions, enabling SMEs to compete on a level playing field with larger competitors in the industry.

For larger industrial manufacturers, the need for high-capacity metal fabrication solutions is crucial. IMS specializes in providing large-scale metal fabrication services, including laser cutting and welding. These services can help streamline production processes, reduce lead times, and ensure a high degree of precision. Large manufacturers can also benefit from IMS’s ability to manage large, complex projects with an efficient workflow.

Integrated Manufacturing Solutions (IMS) offers scalable solutions, ensuring that we can handle projects of any size. This flexibility makes us a reliable partner for businesses that are experiencing growth or require rapid project turnaround times. 

Quality is a Non-Negotiable at IMS

Quality control is a paramount concern in manufacturing. IMS is ISO9001:2015 certified and places a strong emphasis on maintaining high-quality standards at every stage of the fabrication process. Our experienced team meticulously inspects and tests components to ensure we meet or exceed customer expectations.

What sets Integrated Manufacturing Solutions (IMS) apart is the knowledge and experience our team has in working with quality metal sheets, and our deep connections to our procurement partners. 

We understand that quality materials are essential to the success of your product. We work with:

Steel sheet materials including:
        –  Hot or cold rolled steel in thicknesses from 10 to 24 gauge
        –  Hot rolled pickled steel in thicknesses from 1 inch to 13 gauge
        –  Galvanized steel in thicknesses from 10 to 20 gauge
        –  Aluminized steel
Stainless Steel
Aluminum 

IMS invests in cutting-edge technology and machinery, ensuring that our clients benefit from the latest advancements in sheet metal fabrication. This commitment ensures you receive top-notch sheet metal components that meet the most demanding industry standards.

Quality care at IMS

IMS is a One-Stop Shop for Sheet Metal Fabrication Services

IMS has the expertise and resources to deliver tailored solutions. By consolidating various fabrication processes into one facility, IMS is a one stop shop for metal fabrication and paint coating services offering innovative cost-effective solutions. We reduce the need for multiple vendors, transportation costs, and potential logistical challenges. This streamlined approach not only saves money but also speeds up project timelines, making it a win-win situation for our ideal partners.

Let IMS be your trusted partner in achieving your metal fabrication needs.

Ready for a Free Quote?

It only takes a minute! Select the service you’d like, upload your designs, and a member of our team will respond with a free quote within 1 business day. If you don’t have design mockups, or need some help figuring out a design, we’d love to help! Simply give us a call and a member of our team would be happy to answer any questions you have.

Quote Time

<3 days

Parts Completed

4,000/day

Manufacturing Footprint

55,000 sq ft.