
METAL FABRICATION NEWS
Discover how SWF Industrial is forging the future by keeping up to date with their customer success stories, insights, upcoming events, company news, and spotlights of the team members who are helping change the industry.

Insights and Updates from SWF
Stay up to date with the latest fabrication and manufacturing industry insights, case studies, and company news to discover how SWF can help you accomplish your goals.

How to Choose a Field Services and Industrial Construction Partner
May 2026Wondering the best ways to choose a field services and fabrication partner? The differences show up early, and continue through the project, learn more about the best way to ensure your partner is the right one for you.

Case Study: Stainless Steel Process Piping & Field Support for UAJA Wastewater Biosolids Facility
April 2026About the Project The University Area Joint Authority (UAJA) in State College, Pennsylvania, set out to modernize its biosolids processing facility. The goal wasn’t just a simple replacement. It was transformation. Aging composting infrastructure would give way to a next-generation system designed to produce renewable energy, reduce waste, and support long-term regional growth. To bring […]

Understanding the Fabrication Journey: From Purchase Order to Installation
April 2026What really happens when you approve the purchase order? Follow the experts at SWF as they take you through the journey from PO to Installation.

How Stainless Steel Fabrication Supports Food, Pharma, Wastewater, Data Center and Energy Applications
April 2026Stainless steel fabrication has become the core of modern industrial infrastructure, whether it’s food processing, pharmaceutical systems, wastewater treatment facilities, or energy environments. Its durability, corrosion resistance, and cleanability make it a go-to material when performance and reliability can’t be compromised. But the material itself is only part of the equation. How it’s designed, fabricated, […]

Energy Infrastructure Fabrication: SMRs, AI, and Hydrogen Drive U.S. Growth
March 2026Forging the Infrastructure of the Nuclear Renaissance: How SMRs, AI, and Hydrogen Are Creating a New Era for Industrial Energy Fabrication.

Case Study: Lancaster AMTRAK Project
January 2026Dating back to 1834, the Lancaster Amtrak Station isn’t just a local transportation hub. It’s a historic, architectural landmark that has welcomed and transported passengers across Pennsylvania and the United States. When the station’s platforms needed a major safety and accessibility overhaul, Wohlsen Construction needed a partner with the right technology, expertise, and team to […]

Embracing AI in Manufacturing: Driving Efficiency and Scale
January 2026Artificial intelligence is changing how manufacturers think, plan, and operate. For many industries, AI is still theoretical. For SWF Industrial, it’s a tool making work clearer, faster, and more efficient. For SWF Industrial CEO Brandon Stanchock, AI is helping his teams focus on the work humans do best. In a field that faces an ongoing workforce shortage and rising complexity, […]

What It’s Like to Be a Welder at SWF Industrial
October 2025Welders at SWF in PA discuss the field, what it's like to work there, and for those who want to be a welder, how to get started in this valuable career creating the backbone of America.
Keeping Your Team Engaged: Effective Strategies for Industrial Environments
October 2025Employee engagement isn’t just a corporate buzzword, it’s the foundation that drives performance, efficiency, safety, and accountability in industrial environments. When teams are truly engaged, they don’t just show up for work; they care about the outcomes, take ownership of their roles, and contribute to a culture where everyone succeeds together. Brandon Stanchock, CEO of […]

CASE STUDY: OEM COMMERCIAL BAKERY EQUIPMENT FABRICATION
September 2025About the Client A leading manufacturer of OEM commercial bakery equipment, specializing in the design and engineering of large-scale commercial systems for world-class manufacturers, including customized automation and handling equipment for commercial bakeries was looking for a new fabrication partner. Operating internationally from their U.S. headquarters, they required stainless steel fabrication that meets the most […]
Tariffs, Trust, and the Future of Industrial Fabrication
September 2025How the BABA Act and tariffs are impacting industrial projects Industrial infrastructure is booming across America, but this growth comes with new complexities that fabricators and project owners must navigate. The combination of tariff policy, domestic sourcing rules like the Build America, Buy America (BABA) Act, Section 232 tariffs, and inflationary material pricing has created […]

CASE STUDY: MOUNT WOLF PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
July 2025SWF Industrial put their knowledge, abilities, and can-do approach to work for a local community. Explore more about the Mount Wolf community park project.

Transparent Change Management: How to Navigate Shifting Project Scope and Work Environments
June 2025Industrial projects and shifting expectations go hand in hand. Material costs change overnight, site conditions vary, and timelines stretch longer than anticipated. Successful projects don’t hinge on avoiding this everyday reality. Instead, they are carried over the finish line by effective change management. Brandon Stanchock, CEO of SWF Industrial, is a veteran leader with over […]

Fabricating The Future: How Custom Metal Fabrication Shapes Data Centers
April 2025“The best way to predict the future is to create it” – Alan Kay Every bit of innovation relies on a solid foundation. More and more data is being collected, stored, and processed. The data center market continues to grow, innovate, and lay the foundation for the next phase of the digital era. As the […]
CASE STUDY: PROCESS PIPING FOR RENEWABLE NATURAL GAS
March 2025ABOUT THE CLIENT Building Crafts, a general contractor specializing in industrial, municipal, and commercial markets, was contracted to support Synthica St. Bernard, LLC’s joint project with UGI for a renewable natural gas (RNG) facility in St. Bernard, Ohio. This project is part of a broader effort to convert industrial organic waste and pre-consumer food waste […]

New Beginnings & New Faces: John Landis Retirement Announcement
February 2025After 32 years of dedication, expertise, and commitment, John Landis will be retiring from SWF.

The Importance of Design & Value Engineering in Custom Metal Fabrication
February 2025Explore the importance of design and value engineering in the outcome of custom metal fabrication projects.

Building a Strong Culture in Manufacturing
November 2024Explore SWF Industrial's transformative journey in building manufacturing culture, prioritizing Character, Commitment & Creativity for a modern, inclusive workplace.

CASE STUDY: TURNKEY FIELD SERVICES
October 2024About the Client An established construction client of SWF Industrial was looking to close a significant contract for a large-scale turnkey field services project with a major producer of pigment dispersion for plastics. To secure the contract, they needed assistance developing execution plans. SWF Industrial provided crucial support throughout this process, helping the client iterate […]

Laser Cutting & Metal Bending
September 2024When precision and reliability are critical, laser cutting and precision metal bending are often the most efficient and effective methods for fabrication. Metal cutting and forming may not seem extremely complex, but modern fabrication has made it both an art and a science. With the manufacturing industry constantly changing, staying up to date and utilizing […]
CASE STUDY: STAINLESS STEEL PLATFORM
July 2024About the Client A major food and beverage manufacturer in Lancaster, PA, needed assistance with a crucial project at their facility. The client required the fabrication of a new stainless steel maintenance and sanitation platform for their existing equipment. Armed with an idea, the customer sought out referrals to find a partner with the creativity, […]

STRUCTURAL STEEL FABRICATION GUIDE: HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT PARTNER
July 2024When it comes to structural steel, selecting the right fabricator can make all the difference in ensuring the success and durability of your projects. At SWF, we pride ourselves on delivering unparalleled quality, backed by decades of expertise and a commitment to excellence. Our structural steel services are tailored to meet the needs of design-build […]

Award Winning Safety: SWF Industrial Wins 2024 Excellence in Safety Award
May 2024At SWF Industrial, we prioritize safety over just about everything across all aspects of our operation. We are proud of our culture, and our ever improving safety ratings, which have resulted in winning the 2024 Dale Sabers Excellence in Safety Award. This recognition highlights our company’s dedication to maintaining the highest safety standards in the […]

Case Study – Civil Infrastructure: The WMATA Awnings
April 2024ABOUT THE CLIENT Steel Fab Enterprises, a major steel fabricator & erector subcontractor, won a bid for phase IV of the long-running subway awning project for the Washington Metro Area Transit Authority (WMATA). Upon winning the contract, the company needed a fabricator who not only had ample space in a dedicated stainless bay for the […]

Achieving Excellence: Inside SWF Industrial’s Quality Assurance Success
February 2024Take a deep dive into the culture and inner workings of Quality Assurance at SWF Industrial, and learn how they have set record low rework hours with attention to detail their commitment to the "Three Cs."

Stainless Steel Fabrication: Versatility, Quality, Value, and Environmental Benefits
February 2024Explore the versatility of stainless steel in industrial fabrication. From its resilience in corrosive conditions to strategic cost-effectiveness, discover why SWF Industrial is your trusted partner in stainless steel fabrication.
SWF Industrial Wins Vendor of The Year
December 2023SWF Industrial, a leading provider in metal fabrication, is honored to be named as 'Vendor of the Year' by JLS Automation, a long-time customer and partner. This recognition is not just a testament to SWF Industrial's outstanding project management, customer service, and product quality but also a celebration of the enduring partnership and collaborative efforts between the two companies.

Best Practices for Material Selection and Purchasing
December 2023Discover how to properly select materials, and utilize your partner's purchasing power to ensure that your project is completed on time and on-budget while meeting all quality standards.

Importance of Mature Project Management in Metal Fabrication
October 2023Discover how to properly manage projects, and ensure that they are completed on-time and on-budget while meeting all quality standards.

Embracing the Future: SWF Industrial’s Trimble X7 Laser Scanner
October 2023Discover SWF Industrial's Trimble X7 Laser Scanner for precise metal fabrication. Embrace the future of accuracy and efficiency.

Stainless Steel Aeration Piping – Best Practices
September 2023Enhancing Water and Wastewater Infrastructure In the realm of water and wastewater treatment, aeration plays a pivotal role in promoting efficient processes and ensuring water quality. Aeration piping, a crucial component of these systems, facilitates the introduction of oxygen into water, allowing for crucial biological and chemical reactions to take place. In this article, we […]

Case Study: Water and Wastewater Aeration Piping Project
September 2023About The Client A Florida-based general contractor working on a water and wastewater aeration piping project, reached out to SWF Industrial for assistance with a critical project. With extensive experience in the industry, the contractor sought a reliable partner to address their specific needs in the water and wastewater space. The Problem The contractor faced […]

SWF Welcomes Tommy Phipps: A Rising Star in Metal Fab and Welding
July 2023In the world of fabrication, talent and skill are highly sought after. SWF Industrial recently welcomed Tommy Phipps, a promising young professional with a strong background in metals, fabrication, welding, and welding technology. Not to mention a heaping helping of dedication, talent, and skill. Tommy’s addition to the team underscores the company’s commitment to nurturing […]

Case Study: Multi-National Bakery Expands its Headquarters
June 2023Discover how SWF Industrial helped a well-known retailer expand their business through custom sheet metal fabrication.

SWF Industrial Welcomes Award Winning Graduates
June 2023If there are No. 1 draft picks in the fabrication world, SWF scored a pair of them when two aces from Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology joined as full-time employees this month. The two young pros – Jacob Smith and Anthony Laterza – come in with a solid background in metals, fabrication, welding, and welding […]

SWF Industrial’s Prodevco Plasma Cutter: Efficiency and Precision
May 2023SWF Industrial's Prodevco PCR42 robotic plasma cutter saves customers 20-30% on lead times and cost.

Employee Spotlight: Mary Phong’s Superpower
April 2023Everyone at SWF Industrial knows about Mary Phong’s resilience and grit. In fact, CEO Brandon Stanchock says Mary seems to thrive in difficult situations. Whether it is a tough dilemma or a customer that is facing a unique problem, that’s when Mary is at her best. “She just never gives up, and always finds the […]

Stainless Steel vs. Ductile Iron: Choosing the Right Material for Your Project
April 2023In the engineering world, the choice of material for a project is critical to its success and schedule. One of the most common decisions facing professionals in water, wastewater, and industrial markets is stainless steel vs. ductile iron. The price tag is just part of the equation when selecting a material for a project. Stainless […]

Case Study: Sheet Metal
March 2023Discover how SWF Industrial helped a well-known retailer expand their business through custom sheet metal fabrication.
Employee Spotlight: Kevin Boaman Delivers on Time
February 2023Dan Armstrong, the Plant Manager for SWF Industrial, cuts right to the point when talking about Kevin Boaman. As a crew leader for a fabrication team, Boaman is downright maniacal regarding deadlines and delivery day. He refuses to miss them. Period. “Kevin is tenacious. He is top of the pile when it comes to efficiency […]
SWF Industrial’s New Laser Cutter: Endless Possibilities
February 2023SWF Industrial's newly acquired Amada 9,000-watt laser cutter is designed to meet the exacting demands of the metal fabricating industry.
Case Study: Spray & Drying Equipment
January 2023SWF Industrial helps spray and drying company, learn how
Employment Practices: How SWF is Changing the Game
December 2022Employment practices at SWF Industrial are changing. Learn how!
Laser Welding Machines: The Next Generation
December 2022SWF Industrial Invests in Next-Generation Technology Faster, cleaner, unique metal fabrication. SWF Industrial is upgrading its leading capabilities with next-generation Laser Welding technology. Handheld Laser Welding: The Future is Now at SWF Industrial Over the past few decades, automated laser welding has improved efficiencies and quality throughout the industry. However, the recent development of manual […]

Case Study: Piping Skid
November 2022About the Client When a global food industry client lacked the capacity needed to bring their innovative concept into reality, they turned to SWF Industrial. Our client’s new proprietary filtration skid purifies a fermentation broth. To accomplish this, they knew that they needed a partner with a mature project management structure, and the capability […]
Field Services Experience & Safety
November 2022SWF Industrial brings decades of experience in field services. Equipped with expertise and precision, our Field Services division provides industry-leading on-site installation and maintenance services to customers across several industries. They trust SWF because our mature project management philosophy, combined with a team of highly skilled millwrights and fully certified foremen, ensures every project has […]
Safety: Not Just a Buzzword, a Way of Life
October 2022You would never trust someone with a poor safety record with your business. At SWF, we believe safety isn’t just about individuals; it’s a culture that is transparent and proactive. That’s why we use STOPGO, 2-minute Personal Safety Audits, and Safety Observation Reports (SOR) to assure that any incident or near miss is used to […]
SWF and the Power of 3D: The Advantages of TEKLA 3D Modeling
August 2022Constructability, accuracy, and integrated trades are top secrets to delivering high-quality turnkey steel weldments, that’s why SWF chose TEKLA 3D. SWF knows that 3D modeling with truly parametric Building Information Modeling (BIM) software – tying all trades together for success – makes all the difference. They chose TEKLA Structures by Trimble because it puts everything […]

Case Study: Jacketed Piping System
February 2022About the Client Tight schedules and imperfect resources are problems all companies deal with from time to time. An SWF client needed a jacketed piping system designed, built, and installed from only Piping and Instrumentation (P&ID) drawings. They had a tight deadline but knew that if anyone could do it, SWF Industrial would, and […]

Case Study: Food Manufacturing Equipment Installation
February 2022About the Client When a top overseas food manufacturing client called SWF Industrial for an equipment installation, no one knew that a worldwide pandemic would attempt to derail the project. As with most high-level installs, this client’s next business steps rested on hitting their original deadlines; they had a production date to meet and […]

Case Study: Equipment Bases
February 2022About the Client In any highly competitive market, cost and quality are everything. When a leading company needed equipment bases with very tight tolerances for the base surfaces, they faced a complicated and expensive process. That is, until they came to SWF Industrial with their problem. The Problem Equipment bases are expensive. When dealing […]

Case Study: Cryogenics Equipment
February 2022About the Client When an industry leader in cryogenics needed to move production from Europe to the United States, they turned to SWF Industrial to make that change possible. Several issues were complicating the move, including dissimilar measuring systems and a need to improve the constructability of the products. SWF Industrial had the capabilities […]

Case Study: Value Engineering
February 2022About the Client When a major barrier systems manufacturer found themselves dealing with high production costs and quality issues, they knew they needed to improve their process. They were looking for fundamental changes with measurable results and a reliable partner to assure those changes were on time and cost-effective. The Problem The manufacturer sought […]

Case Study: Carbon Steel Platform
February 2022About the Client The client faced a huge problem: they needed a carbon steel platform, but the platform project was over budget and designed in a way that would be even more costly during installation. The project was already under timing constraints and budgetary concerns that led the client to seek better answers. That’s […]