Onshoring Metal Manufacturing: How Ryerson Simplifies Metal Fabrication and Contract Manufacturing
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As tariffs, logistics costs, and global supply chain risk continue to pressure manufacturers, many companies are rethinking where and how their products are made. For OEMs that rely on metal manufacturing, metal fabrication, or contract manufacturing, onshoring production to the United States is becoming a strategic priority.
But building a domestic metal supply chain isn’t simple—especially for companies new to U.S.-based manufacturing. There are many reasons why contract manufacturing relationships fail.
Ryerson Advanced Processing helps manufacturers onshore metal fabrication and contract manufacturing by delivering a fully integrated, end-to-end solution.
We sat down with Brent Beauchamp, a Ryerson fabrication sales representative, to better understand how Ryerson supports manufacturers through the onshoring process—and why working with a single partner for metal manufacturing makes all the difference.
Why Are Manufacturers Onshoring Metal Manufacturing to the U.S.?
Brent: A lot of the onshoring activity we’re seeing is driven by tariffs and total landed cost—especially for fabricated metal components. Importing finished or semi-finished metal parts can quickly become expensive and unpredictable.
Beyond cost, manufacturers want stability. By onshoring metal manufacturing and metal fabrication, companies gain better control over lead times, quality, and supply chain risk.
For many customers, this is their first time setting up metal manufacturing operations in the U.S., which is why having the right partner is critical.
How Does Ryerson Support Onshoring for Metal Fabrication and Contract Manufacturing?
Brent: Ryerson helps customers build a U.S.-based metal manufacturing and fabrication supply chain from the ground up.
Instead of sourcing raw material from one supplier, sending parts to multiple fabrication shops, and managing several contract manufacturers, customers can work with Ryerson to consolidate everything into a single, managed solution.
We supply the metal, manage fabrication and processing, coordinate engineering and quality, and handle logistics. From the customer’s perspective, it’s one partner delivering fabricated metal parts through a streamlined contract manufacturing model.
What Is the First Step When Onshoring Metal Fabrication with Ryerson?
Brent: The process starts with an introductory conversation to understand the customer’s goals—whether that’s cost reduction, lead-time improvement, or establishing a reliable U.S. metal manufacturing footprint.
Next, customers provide a print package for their metal components. Our engineering and quality teams review the prints to evaluate materials, fabrication requirements, tolerances, equipment needs, and logistics.
That allows us to design a contract manufacturing and metal fabrication solution that fits the parts—not the other way around.
How Does Ryerson Reduce Complexity in Metal Contract Manufacturing?
Brent: Without a partner like Ryerson, manufacturers often have to coordinate multiple metal fabrication shops—each capable of handling only part of the work.
Ryerson simplifies that model. We manage metal manufacturing and fabrication behind the scenes using our processing assets and trusted partners. Customers place one purchase order, work with one point of contact, and rely on one team to deliver finished metal components.
You’re not just buying fabricated metal parts—you’re buying a fully managed metal manufacturing supply chain.
What Role Does a Ryerson Sales Representative Play in Metal Manufacturing Programs?
Brent: My role goes beyond traditional sales. I act as a project manager and single point of contact for metal manufacturing and contract manufacturing programs.
I coordinate communication between customers, engineers, fabrication partners, and processing facilities. I help manage timelines, resolve issues, and keep projects moving forward.
For customers onshoring metal fabrication—especially those new to U.S. manufacturing—having one accountable partner makes a huge difference.
Why Is Ryerson Uniquely Positioned for Metal Manufacturing and Fabrication?
Brent: Very few companies can support metal manufacturing the way Ryerson does.
We combine metal distribution, processing, fabrication, engineering support, and scalability. We can support low-volume metal fabrication programs early on and scale seamlessly as production ramps up.
That flexibility is critical for companies using contract manufacturing models or launching new U.S.-based metal manufacturing operations.
Onshoring Metal Manufacturing with Confidence
Onshoring metal manufacturing, metal fabrication, or contract manufacturing doesn’t have to add complexity. Ryerson Advanced Processing helps manufacturers simplify the process by delivering an integrated, U.S.-based metal supply chain with a single point of accountability. This is essential to eliminating late or out of spec metal parts.
For companies navigating onshoring for the first time, that partnership provides confidence, control, and scalability.
Metal Manufacturing & Fabrication FAQs
What is metal manufacturing? Metal manufacturing involves producing metal components or assemblies through processes such as cutting, forming, machining, and fabrication.
What is metal fabrication? Metal fabrication is the process of transforming raw metal into finished or semi-finished parts using cutting, bending, welding, and assembly.
What is contract manufacturing in metal fabrication? Contract manufacturing allows companies to outsource metal fabrication and processing to a partner that manages production, quality, and logistics.
How does Ryerson support metal contract manufacturing? Ryerson supplies metal, manages fabrication and processing, provides engineering support, and coordinates delivery through a single, integrated supply chain.
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