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Voortman and the Family Value
The Growth Journey of Metal Arts
"With the space we have, it was necessary to set our machines up in tandem, but given our current output, this setup makes the most sense for us."
Testimonial Metal Arts
- Location:
- Output:
- Staff:
- Size:
- Wichita, KS
- 80 tonnes per week
- 65 employees
- 22.000 ft2
"With the space we have, it was necessary to set our machines up in tandem, but given our current output, this setup makes the most sense for us."
A FAMILY-RUN STEEL FABRICATOR WITH A COMMITMENT TO QUALITY
In the world of steel fabrication, family-run businesses are a rarity, but for Metal Arts LLC, it’s all in a day’s work. With a history dating back to 1971, the company is built on family values and an unwavering commitment to quality. Now, in their 20th year of structural steel operations, President Shaun Huibsch and Vice President Alissa Huibsch reflect on the company’s journey and its relationship with Voortman machinery.
"We really
don't like to turn away projects," Shaun shared. "From schools to
hospitals to industrial facilities, if it's got structural steel in it, we're
all about it." With around 65 employees and an output of about 80 tons a
week, Metal Arts walks the fine line between a small and a medium fabricator.
The company has
built a strong reputation for quality, a fact that both Shaun and Alissa credit
for their continued success and steady growth. "Quality is king,"
Shaun asserted. "Our customers have told us how much they appreciate how
well our steel goes together. We take quality very, very seriously."
THE VALUE OF INVESTING IN CNC TECHNOLOGY
That commitment to quality led them to Voortman. In a quest to boost their production beyond 10 to 20 tons of steel a week, they sought out CNC equipment, and Voortman caught their attention. "What really attracted us to Voortman was honestly the packaging," Shaun confessed. "Just looking at the Voortman equipment, you can see the quality."
But it was more than
the aesthetic appeal of the machinery that won them over. The back-to-back side
drill they purchased delivered value in more ways than one. "The value was
surprisingly good. It was not as expensive as I expected it to be," Shaun
shared. "The amount of money we saved by not doing a split system went
back into our other machines, our software, and into our people and the
shop."
FROM 20 TO 90 TONS
Alissa, who returned to the family business in 2013, echoed Shaun's sentiments on Voortman. She sees the technology as pivotal in enabling Metal Arts to uphold its safety standards while also improving efficiency. "We're always looking for ways to improve," she added. "Voortman's machinery is an integral part of that."
Her role in the
family business has offered a unique perspective on the growth of Metal Arts.
She recalled how the company's output has increased nearly five-fold, from 20
tons per week in 2013 to 90 tons per week today. "When we moved to this
building in 2014, we only used half of it," she reminisced. "It
seemed so vast at the time, but we've grown so much since then."
Like any growing
business, Metal Arts has faced its fair share of challenges. The limited space
in their current facility necessitated strategic decisions about their
equipment setup. "With the space we have, it was necessary to set our
machines up in tandem," Alissa explained. "But given our current
output, this setup makes the most sense for us."
METAL ARTS' FUTURE: EXPANSION, INNOVATION, AND CONTINUED PARTNERSHIP WITH VOORTMAN
Yet, the future looks bright, with plans to relocate to a larger facility and expand their machinery. Alissa shared, "When we move, we'll separate the machines and incorporate cross feeds to match our increasing output. If we had more space, we would love to add more Voortman machines."
The journey of Metal
Arts LLC paints a vivid picture of a business rooted in family values, quality
craftsmanship, and continuous growth. Their partnership with Voortman
illustrates a shared commitment to delivering quality products and investing in
innovative technology to meet the demands of an ever-evolving industry.
