MERRILL, a vertically integrated world-class contract manufacturer serving the defense, aerospace, heavy equipment and space industries, has been named one of the top 40 largest fabricators by FABRICATOR Magazine. Offering single-source solutions from concept to completion, complete engineering, structural fabrication, precision machining, assembly, testing, and integration, this year marks the nineth time MERRILL has appeared on the coveted Fab40 list. Also highlighted is the need for additional fabricators, as featured in MERRILL’s ad in the publication’s June edition.
The need for additional staffing comes as customer demand is pushing capex to new levels, and MERRILL is making extraordinarily large investments in its Alma facility, as shown by its purchase of a new 4400-ton press brake highlighted in the March edition of The FABRICATOR. This new press brake allows MERRILL to handle specialized bending operations on pieces up to 26.3 ft long, further demonstrating MERRILL’s commitment to staying at the forefront of evolving customer requirements.
MERRILL is also expanding its clean room, which allows for the increased production and optimized product flow of armored vehicle hulls and turrets. The climate-controlled area offers enhanced quality control and a better working environment for MERRILL’s talented AWS certified welders. The area is outfitted with improved lighting and rotary positioners to present the work piece to the welder in an optimal ergonomic position to reduce fatigue and promote best work practices.
“We are excited to be named again to the FABRICATOR’s top 40 list. MERRILL has been vigorously investing in facilities, people and equipment to ensure we have the square footage, production capacity and equipment needed to satisfy our customer’s needs. Our vertical integration allows MERRILL to perform all services in house reducing the need to outsource,” states Brian Engelhardt, plant manager for MERRILL’s Alma, Michigan, 400,000 sq. ft welding and fabrication facility.
See the full FAB 40 list here.