Achieving Excellence: Inside SWF Industrial’s Quality Assurance Success

Posted: February 2024

In the highly competitive metal fabrication industry, quality plays a pivotal role in client satisfaction and, for fabricators, their success. For SWF Industrial’s team of tradespeople and professionals, commitment to quality and customer satisfaction isn’t just a goal, it’s one of our core values.

Our team’s commitment to their craft and our customers shined in 2023, as our Annual Quality Report revealed that we spent a record low, 0.60% hours on rework.

Simply stated, when you put Character, Commitment, and Creativity first, quality and customer satisfaction becomes a standard that inspires pride every day, and in the outcome of every project.

Setting the Standard: SWF Industrial’s Quality Achievement

SWF Industrial’s commitment to quality is exemplified through meeting and exceeding industry standards, and earning certifications such as AISC Structural Steel Building Fabricator, and ISO 9001:2015. But, to our team, the focus on quality isn’t about the recognition or piece of paper, it’s about taking pride in our work and doing the little things right every day to deliver the best possible products to our customers.

Statistics Speak Volumes

In most situations, commitment and culture can be hard to quantify. However, our team’s commitment to quality can be measured through our quality reporting, with our annual report highlighting just how much that commitment pays off, as our team logged only 0.60% hours performing rework. Meaning that in 2023, the company logged 248,225 shop fabrication hours, with only 1,425 of those being rework, showcasing unparalleled efficiency and dedication to minimizing errors.

Industry Insights

Beyond internal metrics, SWF Industrial leverages external benchmarks and industry standards to gauge its performance in quality assurance. While industry averages for rework rates vary, SWF Industrial consistently aims for excellence with rework rates well below industry norms.

Common industry standards, including Six Sigma, typically set the standard of rework rates for high-volume producers under 4% for minor defects and 2.5% for major defects. However, given the custom, and precise nature of the work, the standards for low-volume and custom fabricators like SWF see the standard rework percentage decrease to 1% to 2%. While a difficult standard to meet, SWF takes pride in delivering products the right way, the first time.

Additionally, the company closely monitors rejection rates per customer, department, and employee, identifying trends and implementing corrective measures to maintain the highest quality standards. They even go one step further, and quantify the incoming product quality from their network of suppliers in the steel industry, assuring that they know that every project doesn’t just end successfully – it starts out that way.

The Heart of Quality Culture: SWF’s In-House Systems

SWF Industrial’s quality control processes are second to none, with a robust framework in place to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.

With stringent in-house quality systems led by our dedicated quality department and three quality inspectors, every project is tracked and monitored with weekly quality meetings, internal standards audits, and bi-annual quality reviews to ensure that we are meeting and exceeding our stringent internal standards along with our ISO 9001 and AISC Structural Steel Building Fabricator certifications.

Providing exceptional quality for our customers is ingrained into every aspect of our work, from constructability reviews to project management, fabrication, and installation. Our in-house quality systems are designed to meet the unique needs of each client while upholding the highest standards of quality.

Stainless and Sanitary Stainless Applications

For specialized applications like stainless and sanitary stainless steel fabrication, SWF Industrial employs rigorous quality assurance measures to ensure compliance with stringent industry standards.

Whether it’s food and beverage, medical, pharmaceutical, or water and wastewater projects, SWF Industrial’s attention to detail and commitment to excellence set us apart as a trusted partner in quality fabrication.

Project Management, Customization, Collaboration, and Safety

As a turnkey fabricator, we create equipment, piping, and infrastructure that you won’t see in a catalog. For the last four decades, we have relied on our mature project management philosophy to guide all of our processes and produce high-quality fabrication.

With a focus on custom fabrication and collaboration, the company works closely with clients to understand their unique requirements and deliver tailored solutions that exceed expectations.

Most importantly, safety is ingrained in every aspect of SWF Industrial’s operations, with stringent protocols in place to maintain a safe working environment for employees, contractors, and customers. This focus on safety has led to our EMR/MOD rates being significantly lower than average, at 0.789%.

Nurturing a Culture of Quality and Excellence

SWF Industrial’s culture is continuously built by our motivated team’s pursuit of excellence in their work. Through regular communication of goals and a commitment to fostering creativity and innovation, the company empowers its employees to deliver exceptional results.

The “Three Cs,” Character, Commitment, and Creativity, are not just words but guiding principles that drive every aspect of SWF Industrial’s operations.

Client Satisfaction and Testimonials

SWF Industrial’s dedication to quality is reflected in the satisfaction of its clients, who consistently praise the company for its professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence.

From multinational corporations and municipal bodies, to small businesses, clients across various industries trust SWF Industrial to deliver high-quality metal fabrication solutions that meet their needs and exceed their expectations.

SWF: Building Partnerships That Last

SWF Industrial’s unwavering commitment to quality assurance sets it apart as a leader in the fabrication industry. With a focus on excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction, the company continues to forge lasting partnerships with clients, delivering exceptional results that stand the test of time.

Let’s build something exceptional, together. Contact our Business Development department today!