Summary. Focusing solely on price when selecting a contract manufacturer can lead to costly consequences. At Mathison Manufacturing, we believe in looking beyond cost-per-part to consider the total cost of ownership. Choosing a low-cost partner often results in poor material quality, lack of DFM expertise, subpar cosmetic finishes, missed deadlines, and inadequate communication. In contrast, a skilled, reliable manufacturing partner delivers high-quality products, identifies potential pitfalls early, and provides responsive, proactive support throughout your project. They won’t bump your project for a more profitable one, and they’ll work with you to solve complex challenges—not hand them back to you. With Mathison, our customer-centric approach means your urgency is our urgency, and your success is our goal. Since 1959, we’ve built our reputation on excellence, reliability, and going above and beyond to deliver value at every step.
We know this to be true:
Many companies searching for a contract manufacturer and metal fabricator look through the wrong lens—fixating on price instead of the value found in the benefits of a genuine partnership.
We also know that we get what we pay for, and choosing a low-priced contract manufacturer often comes at a substantial cost—sometimes soon after agreements are signed and projects are underway.
Think of it as the total cost of ownership—delivering value that goes deeper than cost per part. Selecting the right contract manufacturer and metal fabricator will deliver an impressive return on investment and prevent costly setbacks if they possess the following attributes that matter most to customers and their projects.
Ability to produce high-quality products
The right manufacturer will use high-quality metals and materials, not lower-grade or recycled metals to maximize profit. The materials used will more than meet the demanding needs of your application.
Conversely, with a budget manufacturer, the opposite is often the case, exposing you to high risks of warranty claims, recalls and—most importantly—a reputation for low-quality products.
Competency in designing for manufacturability (DFM)
This is where experience is critical. The right manufacturing and fabricating partner will conduct a deep analysis of your needs and take a long-term view of your project and its application. They will ensure your project is successful in every regard. Potential pitfalls will be identified early, saving both time and money. From concept through production, your parts will be higher quality, more efficient to produce, and more reliable in the field.
Skills to create cosmetic fabrications
Finishing is an art form, and a skilled contract manufacturer and metal fabricator will produce a flawless product, free of surface abrasions, weld spatter, inconsistent finishing or poor assembly.
Choosing a budget-friendly partner puts you at risk of receiving a product that falls short of your expectations and your brand. Even if they agree to redo your project, the revised product may contain different flaws due to a lack of skills, capacity or competence—further derailing your timeline.
Reliability
The right manufacturer and metal fabricator will do what they say they will do. In other words, you can count on them to have your back and deliver on expectations. Where missed deadlines and excuses are becoming more common, the right partner will do whatever it takes to deliver.
Responsiveness
Your urgency will be their urgency. They’ll respond to emails, calls or texts within minutes or a few hours—not by the next business day. In some cases, they may even respond during nonbusiness hours. After all, a true partner understands that the world doesn’t stop from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. or on weekends.
Note: You’ll know you’ve made the right choice when your partner proactively reaches out throughout your project to keep you informed, reassuring you that everything is on track.
Zero risk of getting bumped by another project
It happens all the time: A smaller customer or project gets bumped or delayed to accommodate the urgent needs of a larger customer or project. While it’s common in many industries, it’s an unethical and unfair business practice. A reputable contract manufacturing partner won’t push your project aside if something more profitable comes along.
Ability to identify ideal solutions to complex challenges
Easy projects are rare in the contract manufacturing and metal fabrication industries. Challenges of many kinds can surface at any time, and a true partner will identify and implement ideal solutions to problems to keep a project moving. With a low-price partner, the burden of solving problems is often placed on the customer. This is because low-cost manufacturers may not employ the caliber of professionals needed to think through solutions to uncommon, unforeseen, or complex problems.
The total cost of ownership of your project involves much more than simply the cost per part. The best contract manufacturing and metal fabrication partner will provide a level of value that delivers an ROI for your project and your company.
Why Choose Mathison Manufacturing?
With our customer-centric business model, Mathison Manufacturing approaches every project in a relationship through the same lens as our customers. We have an all-hands-on-deck approach to ensuring every project has the best possible outcome, driven by our desire to impress our clients at every opportunity.
- A customer-centric business model since 1959
- End-to-end project management
- Commitment to superior quality
- A solution-minded culture
Let’s work together on your next project! 262-542-7296 | info@mathisonmfg.com