In the evolution of precision welding and fabrication, the analogy of road trips with paper maps to GPS navigation is reflected in technical drawings and weld mapping. Think of technical drawings as the map, providing precise measurements and the overall picture of the finished product. Weld maps act like GPS, offering step-by-step guidance on where each weld should be ..read more

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics recently reported more than 500,000 job vacancies in manufacturing. There’s no denying the reality and impact of the skilled labor shortage.1 Although the statistic is jarring, it’s also encouraging to those considering careers in the skilled trades. Jobs are plentiful, and there’s a lot of control over choosing a work path that is personally and professionally fulfilling. Metal fabrication careers are popular choices because of job variety and specialized skill sets. Plus, the fabricated metal products market is solid. It is currently valued at $23.1 billi ..read more

A tactical command center console on a U.S. Navy ship, often called the Combat Information Center (CIC), is the hub of operations. These consoles house critical electronics, cables, display screens, sensors, and communication devices to aid with everything from navigation to missile defense ..read more

When asked to envision a welder, machinist, press brake operator, or other metal fabrication company employee, chances are you picture a male. It’s true that the majority of metal fabrication careers are held by men; only 6% of welding jobs are held by women. But a growing number of women are making their mark on the industry. Not only are women a great fit for welding and several other metal fabrication careers, females may have several advantages, too. Here’s why Fox Valley Metal-Tech encourages women to apply for their metal fabrication jobs in Green Bay, Wisconsin ..read more

Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) — it’s a mouthful. But for precision metal fabricators who perform work for our nation’s military, it’s a critically important aspect of their business. To become a government-approved metal fabricator, companies need to be DFARS compliant and demonstrate that their flow downs and purchasing practices adhere to government regulations. DFARS compliance covers everything from contract clauses, supply chain management, accounting standards, and more. It also covers cybersecurity requirements, which we’ve written about before.  Today ..read more

Custom metal fabrication companies invest in a lot of high-tech equipment to produce products according to specifications. Among that equipment are various types of computer numerical control (CNC) machines ..read more

Things sure have changed in the last few years. In the summer of 2020, an article featuring Fox Valley Metal-Tech was published in The Fabricator, a leading publication serving the metal fabrication industry. In it Kevin Gosselin, VP of Business Development at Fox Valley Metal-Tech, shared about the state of the industry and how the company was refining its focus on higher value customers ..read more

The impact of welders in our society often goes unnoticed. Without welding and metal fabrication, however, many industries would cease to exist.  Welding is the “glue” that holds critical components together and makes it possible for manufacturers to build everything from storage shelves to submarines and everything in between ..read more

A metal fabrication company’s culture matters, not just for its employees, but for the customers who rely on their workmanship. When those customers are our nation’s military branches, the stakes are even higher ..read more

Watertight doors and watertight hatches are critical components of a Navy vessel’s function and safety, allowing for safe passageways for servicemen and women throughout the ship.  These heavy-duty doors and hatches need to be manufactured to exacting specifications in compliance with NAVSEA standards and must pass rigorous testing ..read more