Advantages of Doing Business With a Family Owned Machine Shop
Many family owned machine shops have a strong work ethic. Employees at these companies are able to have a life outside the shop walls and know that their company cares about them.
Small family owned manufacturing companies like Bates Machine & Mfg in Farmersville, Texas are also able to make changes quickly. Their smaller size means they have less red tape to cut through to approve new orders or change production.
1. CNC Machine Outsourcing
One of the advantages of a family owned machine shop is its expertise. CNC machining is an area that requires a specialized set of skills to understand and program. This equipment can be expensive to purchase and maintain, so the smallest change in production could cost a company a substantial amount of money.
Additionally, hiring a new employee to handle a new project can be difficult. Oftentimes, the best solution is outsourcing to a qualified CNC service provider. The right vendor will be flexible, willing to handle change orders and provide value-added services. They’ll also be able to quickly respond to market demands and shorten production times. This allows businesses to focus on other aspects of their business, such as quality control and supply chain management.
2. Professional Metal Finishing
The right industrial metal finishing can make or break a part. It can also improve the aesthetic of a product and increase its value. There are 
many different metal finishing processes, from powder coating to electroplating. It’s important to choose a process that matches your production needs, budget and environmental concerns.
Family-owned shops are more flexible when it comes to employee’s work and life needs. They’re more likely to recognize that even the most dedicated manufacturing employees need a balance in their lives.
Purchasing another shop also gives the new owner immediate first-hand knowledge of the existing equipment. This helps them maximize the use of their machines and get more value out of their investment. They can avoid making costly mistakes that would otherwise cost them valuable business.
3. Superior Accuracy on Parts
Family owned machine shops care about the quality of their work. They know that their reputation and the company’s success is tied together, so they take great pride in making sure that each piece is crafted with precision and a commitment to excellence.
They also understand that even the most dedicated machine shop employee needs a life outside of work. When employees are happy and healthy, they are more productive. Family-owned businesses are more apt to give their employees flexibility when they need it for personal reasons, which can lead to better production results.
When you do business with a family owned machine shop, you get the added benefit of direct access to the owner and the ability to have any questions or concerns immediately addressed. This level of transparency, trust and loyalty is a big advantage that few large manufacturing companies can offer.
4. Metal Restoration
Metal restoration is an intricate process that involves striking a balance between effective restoration techniques and respecting the material’s integrity and history. This delicate balance requires the proper training and expertise to bring metal surfaces back to their original shine.
Family owned machine shops are more likely to appreciate that even the most dedicated employees need a life outside the shop walls. This flexibility translates into happier employees and a business that thrives.
In addition, family owned machine shops are more willing to invest in new production technology. This enables them to keep pace with the ever-changing manufacturing landscape. The result is a company that can better adapt to market changes and provide new opportunities for employees and customers alike.
5. Metal Plating
Metal plating is a critical step in machine work, boosting the durability and lifespan of parts. Whether electroplating or using electroless plating, the process applies a thin layer of metal to the surface of an item. Depending on the type of metal used, it can offer different benefits such as corrosion resistance and electrical conductivity.
One of the advantages of a family owned shop is the quality of its employees. The turnover rate is lower and the owners are likely to treat their employees like family members, providing more flexibility in day-to-day operations. If an employee has a life change, the business can often adjust faster to ensure the employee and company continue to prosper.
There is a common belief that most family-owned businesses fail by the third generation. However, this may not be true for all companies.