he U.S. economy officially hit a recession in February, according to the National Bureau of Economic Research. COVID-19 is reported to have started in December 2019 in China, soon making its way to the U.S. President Trump declared a pandemic and national emergency in mid-March.

It is not yet business as usual throughout the United States and in many places around the world. COVID-19 has no cure, no end date. Fabricators of all sizes are figuring out how to continue running their businesses while making workplaces safe for employees.

This month’s cover story highlights some of the challenges facing fabricators of varying sizes, from dealing with changing federal regulations, moving employees to remote work in their homes where possible, and maintaining overall social distancing between work stations on the shop floor. Today’s shops must also adjust as unforeseen customer or supplier hold-ups occur.

Fabricators were clamoring for a flexible, automated solution. Salvagnini talked with manufacturers and used their feedback to engineer the P4 panel bender. The alternative to hard tooling, roll forming and manual press brakes was quickly adopted.

Today, job shops are grappling with different problems like the skills gap, ongoing implementation of Industry 4.0 and 5.0 initiatives and new operation parameters created by COVID-19, but Salvagnini’s P2 and P4 panel bender series are more relevant than ever.

hen Randy Williams opened his job shop, he was already a seasoned fabricator. “I grew up with metal fabrication,” explains Williams. “My dad was an aerospace engineer who built trampolines part time when I was 10 years old, and I helped build parts in the basement. His business evolved into making Ferris wheels and other portable amusement rides, but eventually the liability insurance became too challenging.”

With just a laser and a press brake, Williams opened his own job shop in 2001. Today, Lasertech Metal Works Inc. is transitioning from a 40,000-sq.-ft. production space in Fayetteville, Georgia to a 60,000-sq.-ft. facility in Peachtree City, Georgia, with plans to add another 20,000 square feet later this year.

Lasertech Metal Works supports industries that range from food service, energy, auto racing and shooting ranges to architectural components. The company has an arsenal of metalworking equipment including laser cutting, forming, punching, welding, machining, grinding and powder coating. Its most recent purchase was the Prima Power EBe Express Bender in 2019.

oet John Milton wrote about a “cloud with a silver lining” in 1637. The phrase has since been used to signal hope in an unfortunate situation. In the midst of a pandemic that shuttered businesses in March and prompted stay-at-home orders, Wila USA found its own silver lining. While the nation pushed pause, the manufacturer of clamping, crowning and tooling systems for press brakes went to work improving internal communications and identifying ways its products and services could help customers navigate the new normal.

“When you are faced with adversity you have two choices: hunker down and weather the storm or use it as an opportunity that can help you grow,” says Jordan Edwards, marketing and communications officer for Wila’s Hanover, Maryland, sales and warehouse facility. “Close to 90 percent of our personnel sheltered at home, so we used that time to reassess how we interact with each other, our ability to stay in touch, collaborate and work together as a team. Several advanced tooling designs have been borne out of sales team conversations. That’s a strength we want to continue to grow.”

ike Allen believes in do unto others as you would have them do to you. Dubbed the Golden Rule in the 17th century, the New Testament scripture is a simple idea about the ethical treatment of others. When Allen talks about his reasons for starting Precision Flange and Machine Inc. in 1989, he says, “I wanted to open a company, hire all-star welders and burning machine operators and treat them with the respect they deserve.”

In addition to cultivating a sound work environment and a strong customer base, Allen learned the value of a good vendor.

Growing the business meant 20-hour work days and jobs that required short delivery windows. The Houston manufacturer had to cut parts in house to support demand, prompting it to shop for a plasma cutter. That’s when Allen crossed paths with Houston-based Plasma Systems Inc. and found a like-minded partner in its president, Richard Keeton.

“Whether we’re talking about sheet metal or airplane parts, the goal is to manufacture products in a safer, faster, more productive manner,” he continues. “But that means being willing to take advantage of improvements. Understanding how to choose and use the right abrasives can reduce grinding cycles, save dollars and guarantee better results.”