Every company, no matter the industry, has to balance profitable work with tasks that strain resources. When production demands spike, partnering with the right metal service center can be a big help in terms of resources.
Experienced providers of metal services, whether a steel & metal service center or a metal goods service center, offer specialized capabilities like CNC machinery, milling, and sawing. Outsourcing these tasks helps control costs, reduce delays, and avoid relying on outdated equipment.
Plus, the right steel services partner can provide technical expertise and inventory support when you need them most.
However, not all metal service centers are created equal. Finding the right fit ensures you gain true value, not just a vendor. In this article, we will uncover the six main benefits of choosing a value-added metal service and how it can help you.
6 Ways Value-Added Metal Services Strengthen Your Operations
Choosing a metal services partner isn't just about offloading tasks, and it's about improving quality, efficiency, and outcomes. Equipment capabilities, skilled staff, and available value-added services can vary widely between providers, making your choice important to project success.
1. Accuracy
In order to keep all elements of an order organized until delivery, an efficiency system known as KanBan, where baskets are used to house each component ordered, is utilized to maximize effective order processing.Z
2.Time Saved
For those located in the Northeastern PA and Southern Tier of NY, time can be saved by working with a metal service company that is nearby. This better facilitates the transportation of orders from the company to the client and also reduces offshore supply chain issues.
The decision to establish a partnership for these projects not only allows your employees to focus on completing other projects, but it also factors in proximity to provide quick turnaround times on the tasks the company can take off your plate.
3. Money Saved
Time saved is money saved. This means having the job done right the first time. Partnering with an expert metal shop for your industrial value-added services, such as CNC machining, milling, and custom sawing, means your work is completed with extreme accuracy.
Outsourcing these tasks allows your staff to focus on their areas of expertise while your chosen metal service center completes the job. This saves time and money and allows staff to productively continue with the job they were hired for without the frustrations of unexpected distractions.
4. Large Inventory On-Site
A metal service company, such as State Line Supply, maintains an inventory stocked with the customer in mind. This allows us to provide what our customers need when they need it. Holding large inventories enables us to deliver most products with short lead times.
5. Available When You Need Something
Walk-in requests can often be accommodated depending on current production capacity. For larger or more complex orders, it’s recommended to contact a metal servicer in advance to discuss project requirements and estimated timelines. This allows planning to happen accordingly and provides accurate delivery expectations.
6. Additional Services On-Site
During a project, you might find yourself facing a request you weren’t expecting from a client. If you outsource specific tasks, they will be handled by trained experts with the correct machinery on-site.
This can mean resolving a metal issue you didn’t even know about, all with minimal time lost.
A metal service company offers many additional on-site services, including:
- Shearing services
- Kitting services
- Plate-burning (which provides the desired finish/result)
- Sand-blasting ( which removes impurities)
- CNC Machining
Metal Services FAQ: Making the Right Decision for Your Project1. How can I determine if a metal service center’s capabilities match my specific project needs?Start by asking for a list of available equipment, such as CNC machinery, milling, and sawing capabilities, along with sample projects or case studies. Be sure the provider can handle the scale, precision, and material requirements your project demands. 2. How do value-added services from a metal service center compare to in-house operations in terms of ROI? Outsourcing tasks like machining or sawing can reduce equipment investment, training time, and labor costs, all while maintaining high quality and meeting deadlines. This frees your team to focus on core competencies, increasing productivity and long-term value. 3. What questions should I ask a metal service center before starting a partnership?Ask about available value-added services, production capacity, inventory management, and experience with similar industries or projects. It’s also helpful to clarify lead times, emergency capabilities, and how they handle unexpected changes in scope. |
Choosing the Right Metal Service Center for Long-Term Success
Working with the right metal service center can directly impact your operations' reliability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
The right partner helps keep your production on track by offering dependable steel services and value-added metal services as well as specialized capabilities like CNC machinery, milling, and sawing. With access to experienced staff, in-house logistics, and a wide range of metal services, your project timelines and quality standards are easier to meet.
Build a Trusted Partnership with State Line
As a family-owned business with a long-standing history, State Line Supply Co. has served various industries with reliable, full-service metal goods service center support. Whether you're exploring outsourcing or need specific capabilities, our team is here to guide you.
Contact us today to learn how our services can support your next project with confidence.
(Editor's Note: This blog was originally published in October 2022 and was updated in November 2023 to reflect up-to-date information.)
