I am a member of the purchasing department for a major manufacturer located in North Central Florida. We fabricated, machined, assembled, painted and tested our product in-house from 1973 until 2003. Customer order requirements grew to the point that we decided to outsource ALL of our fabricating and machining requirements in order to refocus all of our resources on the assembly and testing side. From 1987 until 2003 I was a Senior Machinist responsible for the machine work on these parts. I moved into the Purchasing department, along with my partner - a welder of 30 years with the company, to lend our expertise in the manufacturing side of the product to facilitate the transition from manufacturing to outsourcing.

At this point we have over 10 suppliers trying to keep up with our demand for the large components and 15 additional suppliers for small parts. We are bugeted to build 125 of these completed units this year, meaning 125 of each component. These companies have been working between 56 and 72 hours per week for over 2 years due to our not being able to identify additional sources. We MUST get additional suppliers onboard before we simply wear these people out. They need a break and we need additional suppliers. We are NOT looking to replace any of them, but to bring additional suppliers onboard.

We believe that we have virtually exhausted the resources in the state of Florida, but we may be wrong there. We would prefer to locate facilities in Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee, or Kentucky. This is due solely to the size of the components required. However, We do currently have one supplier in Michigan who has found a way to be competitive even with the shipping issues. So we are open to pretty much anywhere, but the closer to Florida the better for all.

We are currently seeking out large fabricating (welding) shops to produce some of our larger fabrications. These weldments weigh between 10,000 and 55,000 pounds.Any potential shop must have at least 2 five ton overhead cranes and all of their welders must hold current certifications equal to of AWS D1.1, minimum. It would be very beneficial if they have Pipe Bending and some Machining capabilities, as well as finish painting facilities.

If you know of any shops that meet these requirements please drop me an email at jerry.housh@yahoo.com with as much contact information as you may have. If you have any questions you may reach me at 352-317-0092. Please check my home page, http://www.jerryhoush.com , to see photos of our facility and examples of the large fab parts we are seeking sources for. Thanks.

Jerry Housh