If you have a small order and are on a tight deadline, reach out to Reata Engineering.
We have built a reputation for being a low-volume, high-mix precision machine shop you can trust to fulfill your orders quickly and cost-effectively.
Low-Volume, High-Mix Manufacturing Is Our Specialty
So, what does “low volume” mean for a manufacturing shop?
Most of our orders fall within the 5 to 200-500 piece range, but our shop’s sweet spot is in the 100+ part range. While “low-volume” may evoke thoughts of small prototype shops with basic technology, Reata’s contract manufacturing capabilities extend far beyond basic machining.
Our sweet spot for low-volume orders has exposed us to an impressive range of parts and applications (hence the “high mix”). Over time, we’ve built deep institutional knowledge, technical expertise, and an extremely well-equipped precision machine shop to fulfill orders of varying complexities efficiently.
4 Benefits of Working with a Low-Volume, High-Mix Shop
Here are four benefits of working with Reata’s low-volume, high-mix shop.
1. Quick turnaround
Unlike high-volume shops that dedicate machines to a single job for an extended period, we pride ourselves on our agility and excel at frequent setups. Our shop routinely rotates jobs to prioritize customer needs and turn around hot parts, urgent requests, and new products with ease and urgency.
2. Inventory management support
While we specialize in low-volume orders, that doesn’t mean we can’t accommodate high-volume jobs. We often recommend distributing larger orders over a specific timeframe, which helps our customers manage inventory and reduce upfront costs.
3. Strong technical knowledge base
Our experience working on a wide range of projects has grown our knowledge base across an impressive array of parts and applications. No manufacturing challenge is too big or complicated for our team to tackle. We regularly offer expert insights to optimize designs for efficient and cost-effective production.
4. Solid vendor relationships and supply chain support
Specializing in low-volume, high-mix jobs requires fostering solid relationships with outside vendors and subcontractors. The close partnerships we’ve developed play a vital role in expediting processes like plating and other secondary operations and sourcing materials quickly.
Our Precision Machine Shop’s Advanced Capabilities
Our high-tech lights-out and automation technology empower us to set up low-volume jobs quickly and run them through the night.
1. Automation-led operations
Contrary to popular belief, automation complements low-volume shops exceptionally well. We embrace automation as an essential part of our operations. Automation solutions enhance our overall efficiency and reduce lead times by allowing us to run multiple jobs throughout the night and enabling quicker inspection through programmed operations.
2. Large inventory of standard tooling
Unlike manufacturers focused on specific types of jobs, Reata maintains an extensive array of precision machining equipment and tooling options. We can quickly adapt to address different part requirements, change setups, and more.
A Low-Volume, High-Mix Manufacturing Partner You Can Trust
When you choose Reata for your low-volume jobs, you gain a long-lasting business partner who can fulfill your evolving needs for years to come. Request a quote to get your next project started!