A commitment to a new sales strategy and a solid foundation of fabricating talent and capabilities helped Clark Metal Products, Blairsville, Pa., weather the Great Recession. It's also put the company in a position to top its record year of 2008 within the next two to three years. That preparation and willingness to challenge the status quo within its own four walls are the reasons that Clark Metal Products has earned The FABRICATOR's 2011 Industry Award.

It's a given that a skilled press brake operator is tough to find. But for entry level workers, what should shop managers be looking for?

A North Georgia fabricator analyzes welder productivity and revamps its operations so that welders spend more time actually welding, and less time moving material and fixtures, as well as typing in data.

Cutting structural steel can pose an incredible challenge because of the different material types and shapes. This challenge is not an impossible task, however, and can be made much easier with the correct blade choice, proper machine operation, and thorough maintenance of the blade and machine.

The concern to protect welders from the dangers of inhaling welding fumes is not limited to just metal fabricating companies. The schools training the next generation of manufacturing workers need to be concerned as well. In fact, the pressure may be greater for the schools because if the student studying welding doesn't like the environment in which he or she is learning, the student may decide that there is no future in manufacturing.

In manufacturing, measuring is everything. If you don't measure the process--and use the best metrics--you can't improve it. That thinking applies to sales and marketing just as it does the manufacturing floor--and this is where customer relationship management software comes into play.

Bending simulation software offers a way to improve workshop efficiency. It can save time and money as well as reduce the risk of accidents or damage.

Columnist Gerald Davis tackles a fabricating project that every shop takes on every so often: the shop cart.

FMA survey reveals hiring managers are looking for technical leaders, those with technical knowhow with the ability to look beyond their individual work cell.