The Benefits of Using a Local Fabrication Facility for Your Next Project in Lane County
In the rapidly evolving globalized economy, the allure of inexpensive overseas manufacturing often overshadows the significant benefits of using a local fabrication facility for your next project. Western Design & Fabrication, a company serving its clients with top-notch services for over four decades, is ready to support Springfield, Eugene, and the rest of Oregon with all of its metal fabrication needs. Read below to find out the benefits of working with a local fabrication company.
Oregon Metal Fabrication
The history of Western Design & Fabrication is a fascinating journey that reflects the state's industrial evolution. Metal fabrication has been a cornerstone of Oregon's manufacturing industry for decades.
In the early days, metal fabrication in Oregon focused on the production of basic tools and equipment for the logging and fishing industries, which were the mainstay of the state's economy.
As the state's economy diversified, so too did the metal fabrication industry. The arrival of the railroad to Oregon in the late 19th century brought about a significant increase in demand for metal products, from rail tracks to train components.
The 20th century saw further expansion and diversification in Oregon's metal fabrication industry. The rise of the automobile industry led to an increased demand for sheet metal products, while the growth of the construction industry created a need for structural steel components.
In the post-war era, the metal fabrication industry in Oregon continued to grow and evolve. The advent of new technologies, such as computer-aided design (CAD) and computer numerical control (CNC) machining, revolutionized the industry, allowing for greater precision and efficiency in the fabrication process. This is where Western Design & Fabrication came in.
WDF’s Journey in Oregon Metal Fabrication
Starting in 1976, an entrepreneur named Bill Benetreu decided to follow his passion and start his fabrication facility, the Bill Benetreu Company. Here, he had the dream to follow along the legacy of previous local companies and provide for local businesses that needed fabricated and machined metal parts and assemblies.
For over forty years, the Bill Benetreu Company operated under the Benetreu name to provide these quality parts to customers. Using tools such as laser cutters, press brakes, welding, a machine shop, and much more, the Bill Benetreu Company worked with clients all over the state and country.
One such client was Western Shelter, a Eugene-based manufacturer of expeditionary shelters and accessories for the Department of Defense and Emergency Services.
Unfortunately, Bill Benetreu passed away in 2016, and the business went up for sale. Being a loyal, long-time customer of The Bill Benetreu Company, Western Shelter decided to purchase and bring it under the Western Protective Solutions business family, Western Protective Solutions (WPS). Stay tuned for more information about this in the future.
To signify this change and show that the fabrication facility is an embodiment of the rich history of metal fabrication the state has to offer, we decided to rebrand and change the name to Western Design & Fabrication. Here we are, and we’re ready to support Eugene/Springfield businesses with WPS resources.
What is Local Fabrication
Local fabrication, a process that involves manufacturing products or components in a local facility, is a stark contrast to overseas manufacturing. Western Design & Fabrication is a testament to the advantages of local fabrication, including quality control, collaboration, logistics, and a positive impact on the local economy.
There are several reasons why businesses choose local fabrication. These include:
Quality control: Local fabrication facilities have a vested interest in producing high-quality products. They know that if they don't, they'll lose business to the local competition.
Collaboration: Local fabrication facilities are more likely to be able to collaborate with businesses to create custom solutions. Local fabrication facilities have a better understanding of the business' needs and can work closely with them to develop a product that meets those needs.
Logistics: Local fabrication facilities often deliver products quicker than overseas manufacturers since they don't have to deal with the same shipping delays and customs clearance issues.
Impact on the local economy: Local fabrication facilities create jobs and boost the local economy. We purchase materials and services from local businesses, which creates more jobs and economic activity.
Environment: Working with a local fabrication facility reduces the total carbon emissions produced on any given project. The effect comes from closer shipping distances as well as easier ways to dispose of materials.
Quality Control
Quality control is a significant advantage of local fabrication. Facilities like Western Design & Fabrication commit to producing high-quality products. We understand that maintaining a high standard of quality is crucial to staying competitive in the market.
Local fabrication facilities have a vested interest in producing high-quality products.
We know that if we don't, we'll lose business to our competitors.
Because of this, we have strict quality control standards in place.
These standards lead to higher-quality products that are less likely to fail.
Collaboration
Collaboration is another area where local fabrication shines. Local facilities can work closely with businesses to develop custom solutions that meet their specific needs. At Western Design & Fabrication, the team works hand-in-hand with end users, ensuring that the final product aligns perfectly with their requirements.
Local fabrication facilities are more likely to be able to collaborate with businesses to create custom solutions.
They have a better understanding of the business' needs and can work closely with them to develop a product that meets those needs.
This can lead to better products and a more satisfied client.
Logistics
Logistics is another area where local fabrication has an edge. Local facilities can often deliver products quicker than overseas manufacturers, eliminating shipping delays and customs clearance issues. Western Design & Fabrication prides itself on its efficient delivery system, ensuring clients receive their products on time.
Local fabrication facilities can often deliver products quicker than overseas manufacturers.
They don't have to deal with the same shipping delays and customs clearance issues.
This saves businesses time and money.
Local Economy
Local fabrication facilities also have a positive impact on the local economy. They create jobs, boost economic activity, and contribute to the community's growth. Western Design & Fabrication, for instance, has significantly contributed to the local economy, providing stable jobs for the community and supporting local businesses by purchasing materials and services.
Job creation: Local fabrication facilities create jobs for welders, fabricators, machinists, and other skilled workers. These jobs provide a stable income for families and help to boost the local economy.
Income generation: Local fabrication facilities generate income for businesses that supply materials and services to the facility.
Boost to the local economy: Local fabrication facilities help to create a vibrant and thriving local economy. They attract new businesses and residents, which in turn creates even more jobs and economic activity.
For instance, Western Design & Fabrication has been a source of stable income for many families, contributing to the local economy's growth.
Environment
In addition to these economic benefits, local manufacturing contributes significantly to environmental sustainability. It reduces carbon emissions by eliminating the need for long-distance shipping. Local manufacturers like Western Design & Fabrication are likely to dispose of hazardous chemicals responsibly and use sustainable practices.
Reduction in carbon emissions: Local manufacturing reduces carbon emissions, eliminating the need to ship products long distances.
Safe chemical disposal: Local manufacturers are more likely to dispose of hazardous chemicals in an environmentally responsible manner.
Contribution to sustainable practices: Local manufacturers are more likely to use sustainable practices.
One type of local fabrication that is gaining popularity is custom metal fabrication. This process involves creating custom metal products to meet specific business or individual needs. Western Design & Fabrication specializes in this area, offering flexibility, high-quality products, and unique solutions that help businesses stand out from their competitors.
Western Design & Fabrication
Western Design & Fabrication is a local fabrication facility that specializes in custom metal fabrication for a variety of needs. We have over 40 years of experience and work with multiple businesses and individuals in the Eugene/Springfield area.
We offer a wide range of services, including:
Today, metal fabrication in Oregon is a thriving industry that serves a wide range of sectors, from aerospace and defense to electronics and renewable energy. Western Design & Fabrication is at the forefront of this industry, offering a wide range of services, from welding and machining to fabrication and metal finishing.
The benefits of using a local fabrication facility for your next project are numerous and significant. From quality control to collaboration, logistics, environmental benefits, and economic impact, local fabrication facilities like Western Design & Fabrication offer a host of advantages that are often overlooked. So, for your next project, consider reaching out to Western Design & Fabrication to experience the benefits of a local partnership.
We are committed to providing our customers with the highest quality products and services. We also strive to be environmentally responsible and use sustainable practices whenever possible.
Contact Us
If you're interested in learning more about our services, please contact us today. We would be happy to discuss your project and how we can help you achieve your goals.
Be sure to sign up to our newsletter here to stay up to date on all things WDF and metal fabrication news.