We like challenging proposals that match our core capabilities, that share our engineering vision and that stoke the passion for difficult, imaginative work. We like clients that let us do this even more. In addition to receiving boundary-pushing work, clients can save money, reduce risk and set themselves up for success by treating a subcontractor as a strategic partner, instead of just as a welding and machining shop.

Work Together – Every Step of The Way

The earlier a customer brings a manufacturer into the fold, the more likely it is a project's timeline can be shortened or costs reduced — especially if that manufacturer approaches projects with an engineering mindset.

Designs typically present manufacturing challenges. A strategic firm can often mitigate some of those challenges before the customer is too far along in the design process — but only if they're involved from the beginning.

Many customers get started with an end result in mind. They know what their part needs to do, but they don't know exactly how to design or build it.

This is where an engineering and manufacturing firm excels – if they are worth their salt.

If brought in early, engineers and manufacturers can steer planning toward a design that is:

• Physically manufacturable
• Less costly
• Less risky
• Less time consuming
• In line with the realities of raw material availability
• Aligned with the intent of the design

Multiple Services Under One Roof

Customers should keep as many services in one place as possible. Look for a firm that provides quality control, assembly and functional testing, instead of just the machining and welding.

It is always more expensive for customers to conduct testing at end locations like shipyards. Working with a company that can test in their own facility means teams can quickly make adjustments, replace parts and ensure that everything is perfect before it leaves the facility. The bigger the role the manufacturer plays, the more unified and streamlined the project is likely to be.

Expert planners can spot problem tolerances, challenges with raw materials or unnecessary schedule drivers before they impact a project's timeline. This is only possible if those planners have the chance to identify issues from a project's earliest stages and make the appropriate adjustments. Clients set themselves up for success when they get a partner firm involved early and place as much of the project under their management as possible.