Made in the Suburbs: E-M Metal Fabricator Corp.
An interview with Gladys Moscoso, owner of E-M Metal Fabricator Corp.
Q: Describe your company. What product(s) do you make and what are they used for?
A: E-M Metal is a custom precision sheet metal fabrication company in the heart of the Midwest. Products we manufacture are customer-designed (blueprints) or we work together with the design and then produce the metal components for their projects. Components we make are used by various industries like aviation, communication, industrial equipment, transportation, entertainment, food and banking industries.
Q: Describe the process of making your products.
A: E-M Metal production steps: review blueprint provided with order. We verify all critical information is on the blueprint. We add it to our production schedule, order material and hardware if applicable, cut in punching or laser machine, debur, verify the blanks are within the requested tolerance. Form if required, recheck dimensions, weld when required, smooth the welding area as per print request. Depending on finishing requested, we will send it out to get painted, plated, anodized, bead blasted, etc., then will do one final check and be ready to deliver.
Q: Do you plan to hire any additional staff or make any significant capital investments in your company in the next year?
A: E-M Metal does have plans to invest on software equipment and hire two to three people.
Q: Do you have enough space in your current facility or are you looking to expand/find a new facility?
A: E-M Metal Fabricator has building expansion plans. We purchased a building in 2012 with 12,400 square feet. We are currently using 6,200 square feet. We are planning to make use of the entire space in 2023.
Q: What will your company's main challenges be in the next year?
A: Our company's main challenge for 2023 is to increase sales 35%. In 2020-2021 with COVID-19 and the pandemic the economy was tough for small businesses, and E-M Metal was no exception. Behind the problem was a solution. E-M seized the opportunity to launch its own product line under O&M Enterprise Group LLC. E-M Metal manufactures infection control stations, which could be used on a clean room in a hospital setting but can also be used on a pharmaceutical packing industry, such as an industrial setting. We currently are working on a three-glove dispenser.
Q: What's the hottest trend in your industry?
A: The hottest trend in our industry is have most of the processes being automated.
Q: Do you have a business mantra?
A: Our company mantra is "Our shop is your shop." We cater to innovating companies or companies constantly innovating their products. We welcome our customers whether they bring a single piece or 10,000 pieces of work. We value each of the projects and pay the same level of attention as we understand that our output is the reflection of our customer work. We want them to come back and so we want their customer to come back too. It also challenged each of our staff to do great work on every single product being worked on.
Q: What is one interesting fact about your company that most people may not know?
A: In 2008, in an economic depression, customers were wiped. We started to learn how to operate the equipment ourselves to have better knowledge of what is involved on sheet metal fabrications. We were hands on. Still more to learn with each unique project our customers challenge us with. E-M is woman-owned and managed by U.S. Navy veteran.
Q: What are the benefits to you of making your product(s) here in the Chicago suburbs?
A: COVID-19 showed us the fragility of global economy. You depend on the global supply chain and with it came more distress in the nation's functionality.
Making parts in the USA gives you a sense of independence. You can rely on local providers, quality parts and product warranty. We live in the suburbs and as part of this community, we have to do our best to promote and produce locally. Producing locally, we contribute to a thriving local economy with more funds to reinvest in the community. Producing local opens opportunities to new generations in the suburbs. Our company location has the privilege of being in the Midwest, close to O'Hare Airport and major highways, which assists in minimizing supply chain delays. We still need to make sure to protect our environment.
Q: If you could make any product other than what you do make, what would it be?
A: If I could provide other than metal fabrication service, it will be to be service the electronics industry. It has a short life span, it is always inventing, redesigning, improving.
Q: If you could pick someone famous to promote your product, who would it be?
A: It would be someone who started in the garage. I will choose Steve Jobs. He started with an out-of-the-box idea, a crazy idea. He organized his ideas. He worked so his dreams came to life. His ideas were organized, planned and became an objective. He worked on his objectives and was aware that his ideas (that became products) had a continuous need for innovation and integration. He focused on giving customers a great experience with his products.
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E-M Metal Fabricator Corp.
145 Joey Dr.
Elk Grove Vlg., IL 60007
(847) 593-9970
sales@emmetalfab.com
www.emetalfab@msn.com
Industry: A custom precision sheet metal Fabrication
Revenues: Above half-million in annual revenue.
Number of employees: 1-10 employees.