Keeping pace with rapid expansion
As GSM modernized its fabrication capabilities, the company faced a challenge familiar to many growing fabricators. Equipment manufacturers that had supported the business for years were struggling with extended lead times, changing sales teams, and inconsistent service. For a company with years of committed backlog and aggressive growth plans, waiting a year or longer for critical fabrication equipment was not a practical option.“We’re expecting growth over the next five years plus,” said Sean Keehn, president of General Sheet Metal & Mechanical. “We just feel like right now expansion is going to continue for us, and we need the equipment and the ability to fabricate our metal to support that expansion.”The need involved more than replacing aging equipment. GSM was designing fabrication operations that could support multiple facilities while maintaining production capacity as demand increased.
A relationship that grows with every project
Keehn first met Andrew Hess years before 1987 Machinery was established. As Hess moved through different organizations, GSM continued working with him because of the technical knowledge and service he consistently provided. When Hess launched 1987 Machinery, GSM initially relied on the company for equipment service before gradually purchasing additional machinery. As new expansion projects developed, that relationship naturally expanded. Today, 1987 Machinery has supplied equipment for GSM’s Maryland operation while helping source equipment for the company’s new Florida fabrication shop.“We’ve utilized 1987 Machinery not only for service but for new purchases of equipment,” Keehn noted. “Their service has been fantastic.”
Delivering equipment that improves productivity
One of GSM’s most recent investments was replacing an older plasma cutter with a new laser cutting system supplied by 1987 Machinery. Beyond recommending the equipment, the 1987 Machinery team assisted with shop layout, startup, and commissioning.“The laser that we just installed, they got that up online in two days,” Keehn recalled. “We were cutting full bore the third day.”The productivity improvements were immediate. The new laser processes material approximately three times faster than the plasma system it replaced while significantly reducing smoke inside the fabrication shop. The faster cutting speeds allow GSM to move more work through production and improve the overall shop environment. The company has also invested in additional fabrication equipment that replaces older machinery and creates redundancy throughout the shop. Instead of depending on a single machine for critical operations, GSM now has backup equipment available, reducing the impact of unexpected breakdowns and helping maintain production schedules.
Supporting production beyond equipment sales
For GSM, technical support remains one of the strongest advantages of working with 1987 Machinery.“When we have a piece of equipment that goes down, they’ve been able to get somebody out here, fix the problem, and reduce time down on production, which is critical for us,” Keehn said.This responsiveness helps protect schedules while enabling GSM to continue meeting customer commitments. Keehn also values the practical guidance 1987 Machinery provides throughout the equipment selection process.
“Andrew is great to work with,” Keehn emphasized. “We’ve presented some problems, and he’s come up with some good solutions.”Rather than simply recommending equipment, the 1987 Machinery team works alongside GSM to evaluate fabrication needs, discuss available technologies, and identify solutions that fit both current production requirements and future growth plans.
Preparing for the next stage of growth
GSM’s expansion is far from complete. The company is preparing to relocate or expand its primary fabrication facility while continuing to develop its Florida operation. Additional equipment purchases are already under consideration, with quotes for new machinery currently being evaluated. Keehn expects 1987 Machinery to remain part of those plans. “They’ve helped us increase our productivity, and as we expand both in other states and in our existing state, we’ll continue to utilize their efforts,” he added. As GSM continues investing in new facilities and equipment, the company values a partner that can provide responsive service, practical guidance, and reliable solutions that support evolving fabrication operations. For manufacturers planning for growth, having the right equipment backed by experienced technical expertise can help keep projects moving, minimize disruptions, and create the capacity needed to meet future demand.Preparing your shop for future growth? Connect with the 1987 Machinery team today at 1987Machinery.com.
