Why Automation? Why Now?
In Episode 4 of The Fabricator’s Edge, we dive into how automation is transforming the world of custom fabrication—and what that means for procurement professionals juggling deadlines, quality specs, and tight budgets
If you work in food production, you already know that good design isn’t just about performance—it’s about hygiene, uptime, and compliance. And right at the core of that equation? Sheet metal fabrication.
In the latest episode of the Dutton podcast, we take a closer look at how innovative sheet metal design is helping food manufacturers tackle some of their biggest challenges—from maintaining hygiene standards to speeding up maintenance and cutting line changeover times.
With pressure mounting across manufacturing supply chains, automation is no longer a ‘nice to have’. It’s the difference between projects that arrive on time, and ones that derail production.
This latest episode, “How Automation is Changing Custom Fabrication,” explores how we’ve built automation into every layer of Dutton Engineering—from overnight laser cutting to integrated CAD-to-shopfloor workflows.
What’s in This Episode?
We cover:
-
How Dutton’s 24/7 operation reduces lead times without rushing jobs
-
The role of digital design integration in preventing production errors
-
Real examples of automation improving flexibility—not just speed
-
Why automation doesn’t replace people—it frees them to do higher-value work
-
Quality assurance and traceability in an automated workflow (including ISO1090 welding)
Whether you’re sourcing parts for a rail infrastructure upgrade, or coordinating multi-supplier builds for a new food production line, this episode offers practical insight into how automation can de-risk your procurement process.
Who Should Tune In?
If you’re a:
-
Procurement Manager needing fast, consistent custom parts
-
Supply Chain Director juggling multiple production phases
-
Factory Manager facing labour bottlenecks or inconsistent quality
-
Buyer dealing with price volatility and vendor lead time slippage
…this one’s for you.
Featured Example: Late Night Laser, Early Morning Delivery
We share how a recent architectural brief required overnight turnaround on a batch of precision laser-cut stainless panels. Thanks to our around-the-clock cutting and automated scheduling system, we delivered by 8am—with a finish that passed direct-to-site inspection.
No overtime charges. No waiting for Monday. No excuses.
Listen Now
🎧 The Fabricator’s Edge – Episode 4
Listen Now to Episode 4
The Fabricator’s Edge is available now on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Tune in for practical insights, real factory-floor examples, and expert conversations designed to help you think smarter about your supply chain choices. Or you can click to listen right here:
Final Word
Automation at Dutton isn’t about replacing people—it’s about replacing inefficiency. This episode explains how we’ve built a smarter, faster production model that works with your timelines—not against them.
Got questions? Want to talk about automating your own supply chain challenges? [Contact us here] or message us on LinkedIn.
