Turnaround & Capacity
Production capacity and lead times for fabrication and coating projects.
5402 184th St E, Puyallup, WA 98375
In-house fabrication and coating means we control our schedule. While lead times vary with project complexity and current workload, we provide realistic timelines and meet our commitments.
What We Do
- Standard gate fabrication
- Complex custom fabrication
- High-volume production runs
- Rush and expedited work when possible
- Scheduled maintenance and service parts
- Large-scale project coordination
Best Fit For
- Projects with specific timeline requirements
- Phased installations requiring coordinated delivery
- Contractors with ongoing fabrication needs
- Emergency repairs needing quick turnaround
- Large projects requiring capacity planning
How We Deliver
- Initial timeline estimate at quote
- Schedule confirmation at order
- Regular production updates
- Coordination with installation schedule
- Delivery or pickup arrangements
Standards & Compliance
- Commitment to quoted lead times
- Communication of any delays
- Quality maintained regardless of schedule pressure
Understanding Lead Times
Lead time is the span from order confirmation to completion. It includes material procurement, shop scheduling, fabrication, coating, and quality inspection. Each project has a lead time based on its specific requirements and our current workload.
Simple gates from stock material with standard colors have shorter lead times. Complex custom work, specialty materials, or custom colors add time. Very large projects require more shop hours and may need scheduling around other commitments.
We provide realistic lead times at quote and confirm them at order. We do not promise what we cannot deliver. If circumstances change after order, we communicate immediately. Surprises at delivery time are unacceptable.
What Affects Turnaround
Material availability is the first variable. Stock materials can start fabrication immediately. Specialty materials,unusual sizes, specific alloys, or custom profiles,require procurement time. Material delays become project delays.
Design complexity affects fabrication time. Simple rectangular gates proceed quickly. Gates with curves, scrollwork, or complex joinery take longer to build. The additional time reflects the skill and care required, not inefficiency.
Coating requirements add time. Standard powder coat colors we stock can be applied immediately after fabrication. Custom colors require powder procurement. Galvanizing requires transport to and from the galvanizer. Multi-coat systems require cure time between coats.
- Material procurement for specialty items
- Design complexity and custom details
- Coating specifications and color availability
- Current shop workload and scheduling
- Inspection and documentation requirements
Rush and Expedited Orders
Sometimes projects need faster turnaround than standard lead times allow. We accommodate rush orders when our schedule permits. Rush work may involve premium charges that reflect overtime, schedule disruption, or expedited material procurement.
Not every project can be rushed. Very complex work cannot be safely compressed. Specialty materials have procurement times that cannot be shortened. Custom powder coat colors must be manufactured. We are honest about what is possible.
Emergency repairs often justify rush treatment. A damaged gate leaving a site unsecured, or a failed component halting operations, warrants priority handling. We respond to genuine emergencies as quickly as we can.
Production Scheduling
Our shop schedule balances commitments to multiple customers. Earlier orders get earlier positions in the queue. We do not bump existing commitments to accommodate new orders without the affected customers agreement.
Large projects require capacity planning. A project requiring weeks of shop time cannot simply be inserted into the schedule. We plan large projects in advance, reserving capacity and coordinating material procurement to meet required timelines.
Phased projects,delivering portions of an order over time,require careful scheduling. Each delivery has its own deadline. We track phases separately and ensure each phase completes on time.
Communication During Production
We keep customers informed of production status. For standard projects, completion notification suffices. For complex or time-sensitive projects, interim updates provide visibility into progress.
If problems arise,material delays, fabrication challenges, or capacity issues,we communicate immediately. Bad news does not improve with age. Early notification allows customers to adjust their plans or help resolve issues.
Questions during production receive prompt answers. If you want to know status, call. If you need to make changes, the sooner we know the better. Changes early in production are easier than changes late.
Quality vs. Speed
Rushed work is not an excuse for poor quality. Every item leaving our shop meets our standards regardless of schedule pressure. If we cannot maintain quality at the required pace, we say so.
That said, proper planning avoids artificial urgency. Jobs started in time proceed at a measured pace that allows for careful work. Jobs started late create pressure that benefits no one. Order early when timelines matter.
We have seen competitors deliver rushed work that fails in the field. Welds that crack, coatings that peel, dimensions that do not fit,all consequences of speed prioritized over quality. We will not make that trade.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is your typical lead time for a standard gate?
- Standard gates from stock material with common powder coat colors typically take 2-3 weeks from order confirmation. This includes fabrication, coating, and quality inspection. Actual lead time depends on current workload and is confirmed at order.
- Can you expedite an order if I need it faster?
- Often yes, depending on current shop loading and project complexity. Rush orders may involve premium charges. Some projects cannot be meaningfully expedited due to material procurement or cure time requirements. We will tell you honestly what is possible.
- How do I get on your schedule for a large project?
- Contact us early. Large projects require capacity planning. We need to reserve shop time, plan material procurement, and coordinate with other commitments. The earlier we know about a large project, the better we can accommodate it.
- What happens if you cannot meet the quoted lead time?
- We communicate immediately if any issue threatens our commitment. We explain what happened and provide a revised timeline. If the delay creates problems for you, we work to minimize the impact. Our reputation depends on meeting commitments.
Related Services
Custom metal fabrication for gates, fencing, and related components.
In-house powder coating with quality control for durable, long-lasting finishes.
Fabrication and coating services for fence contractors and allied trades.
Code compliance and permitting information.
Ready to Get Started?
Request a quote for your commercial, industrial, or residential project.