What Every Buyer Should Look for in a Sheet Metal Fabrication Supplier

By Bud Harris, Buyer for AMF Bakery Systems

Introduction

With nearly four decades in the metal fabrication business and twenty years in purchasing, I’ve seen firsthand what sets exceptional sheet metal suppliers apart. I was approached by my primary sheet metal fabricator to write this article to help other new buyers entering into procurement positions. They asked me to review the most important issues in selecting your primary sheet metal fabrication supplier. I enjoy mentoring the younger generation. Who knows, I may have found a new calling and pathway to do so.

My buying approach has always been rooted in collaboration, mutual growth, with a focus on long-term partnerships rather than adversarial relationships. Here’s what I believe every buyer should prioritize when selecting a sheet metal fabrication partner.

1. Value-Added Engineering and Manufacturability

Great suppliers don’t just deliver parts; they collaborate to make your products better and more cost-effective. I look for partners willing to engage in value-added engineering—working alongside us to find ways to improve manufacturability and reduce costs, ultimately sharing those benefits.

• Collaborative problem-solving: Seek suppliers who are open to learning with you and suggesting design changes that improve manufacturability.
• Design for manufacturing: Ensure your supplier can work with your engineering team to optimize designs, balancing performance and cost.

2. Clear Communication and Accountability

The foundation of any strong supplier relationship is clear, consistent communication and a commitment to follow through.

• Commitment to deadlines: I hold suppliers accountable not for what I want, but for what they commit to. If you say a part will be ready on the 25th, I expect it then.
• Transparent updates: Delays and issues happen, but proactive communication is essential. Downstream operations depend on reliable information.

3. Quality Management and Process Control

A supplier’s process is more important than their equipment list. I always tour facilities to assess:

• Cleanliness and organization: Facilities don’t need to be spotless, but they should be orderly and well-run.
• Quality systems: There must be a robust quality management program. If the only inspection comes from the person doing the work, expect problems.
• Continuous improvement: Mistakes are inevitable, but the best suppliers learn from them, perform root cause analysis, and prevent repeat issues.

4. Equipment and Technology

While old equipment can still be effective, modern machinery and software offer significant advantages.

• Consistency and versatility: Newer equipment enables less experienced operators to consistently produce high-quality parts and expands the supplier’s capabilities.
• Confidence in repeatability: When I order the same part today and next month, I want identical results—modern technology helps ensure this.

5. Supply Chain Resilience and Material Sourcing

Recent years have highlighted the importance of reliable material supply.

• Alternative sourcing: Suppliers should be proactive in identifying and communicating about raw material challenges and alternatives.
• Upstream communication: Issues with a supplier’s vendors will inevitably impact your projects—choose partners who keep you informed.

6. Partnership and Mutual Success

I believe in win-win relationships. My success depends on my supplier’s success, and vice versa.

• Vendor scorecards: I have a vested interest in helping my suppliers meet every metric, because their performance reflects on me.
• Open dialogue: If issues arise, address them directly and constructively. When suppliers improve, I’m open to re-engaging.

7. Flexibility and Modular Design

Whenever possible, work with suppliers who can help standardize and modularize parts.

• Commonality of components: About half of our parts are repeat designs, but custom work is always present. Modular approaches benefit everyone.
• Supplier input: Encourage your suppliers to suggest ways to streamline and standardize, drawing from their expertise.

8. Facility Visits and Ongoing Engagement

Regular, in-person engagement keeps the relationship strong and uncovers new opportunities.

• Annual reviews: I recommend suppliers visit at least once a year, or whenever there’s a personnel change, to stay current on our needs and capabilities.
• Facility tours: Invite suppliers to see your operations firsthand—they may spot ways to help you that you haven’t considered.

9. Investing in People

A supplier’s workforce is as important as their machines.

• Low turnover and experience: A stable, experienced team is a sign of a healthy company culture.
• Welcoming new talent: Does your supplier set up their new hires for success with proper onboarding, support, and encouragement to learn from mistakes or do they just throw them on a machine and hope. When I visit my suppliers, I not only look for the clean and orderly facility but I ask questions about the way they bring new people in and bring them up to speed.

Conclusion

Selecting the right sheet metal fabrication partner is about more than price or equipment lists. It’s about building a relationship based on trust, communication, and shared goals. When you find a supplier who invests in their people, processes, and technology—and who treats your success as their own—you’ve found a partner worth keeping. It is safe to say that Southern Metalcraft checks all these boxes for me.

About the Author

Bud Harris has spent nearly 40 years in the metal fabrication and bakery equipment business and over 20 years in purchasing roles. He is recognized for his pragmatic approach to vendor relationships, focusing on collaborative problem-solving, process-driven supplier evaluation, and fostering long-term partnerships that enable mutual growth. His expertise includes guiding engineering teams, supporting global project installations, and leveraging modern technology and quality systems to ensure reliability and value in the supply chain.

Bud’s dedication to developing productive supplier relationships and his commitment to mentoring the next generation of manufacturing professionals make him a respected voice in the bakery and metal fabrication industries.