by Dave Graf, Regional Sales Executive at Mac-Tech (dave@mac-tech.com)
In today’s structural steel market, fabricators face mounting pressure to deliver faster, reduce costs, and overcome skilled labor shortages. Whether you’re building for oil & gas, infrastructure, or marine applications, the demand for precision and speed has never been higher. As your trusted advisor and single point of contact, I help clients navigate these challenges with turnkey automation solutions from Liberty Systems, Prodevco, Akyapak, and more—delivering measurable ROI and peace of mind.
Introduction: Maximizing ROI in Structural Steel Fabrication
The structural steel industry is at a crossroads. Project timelines are shrinking, material costs are volatile, and finding experienced welders or fitters is harder than ever. To stay competitive, fabricators must embrace automation and integrated material handling. Liberty Systems stands out by offering advanced solutions that not only automate repetitive tasks but also optimize every step of the workflow, from raw material intake to finished assemblies. The result? Lower labor costs, fewer errors, and projects delivered ahead of schedule.
The Role of a Single Point of Contact in Automation Success
Implementing automation is a complex journey—one that requires coordination between machine suppliers, software integrators, and your internal team. As your single point of contact, I streamline this process. From the initial needs assessment to installation and after-sales support, I coordinate with Liberty Systems, Prodevco, Akyapak, and other partners to ensure seamless integration. This approach eliminates finger-pointing and ensures that your investment delivers the promised results.
Key Priorities for Oilfield, Bridge, Shipyard, and Tower Fabricators
Each sector has unique requirements. Oilfield fabricators need robust, high-throughput systems for heavy beams and pipe. Bridge builders demand accuracy and traceability for massive assemblies. Shipyards require flexible automation to handle diverse geometries, while tower fabricators need scalable solutions for high-volume production. Liberty Systems’ modular material handling and automation platforms are engineered to address these priorities, enabling rapid changeovers, precise part tracking, and minimal downtime.
Automation Solutions: Prodevco, Liberty, Ermaksan, Ercolina, HSG Fiber Lasers, and Akyapak
Our portfolio includes industry-leading brands:
- Prodevco: Automated plasma cutting and drilling for structural profiles, reducing manual layout and secondary operations.
- Liberty Systems: Advanced conveyors, cross transfers, and robotic handling that move material efficiently between workstations.
- Akyapak: Plate rolls, beam lines, and angle lines for heavy fabrication, all designed for integration with upstream and downstream automation.
- Ermaksan, Ercolina, HSG Fiber Lasers: Precision forming, bending, and laser cutting solutions that expand your capabilities and throughput.
By combining these technologies, we deliver end-to-end automation that adapts to your specific project mix.
Streamlining Workflow: Integrating Machines for Peak Efficiency
The true power of automation lies in integration. Liberty Systems excels at connecting disparate machines—cutting, drilling, welding, and material handling—into a unified workflow. Automated conveyors and transfer systems eliminate bottlenecks, while intelligent software tracks parts and schedules jobs for maximum efficiency. As your project manager, I oversee every detail, from layout planning to PLC programming, ensuring your new line runs smoothly from day one.
20/21 EVOIII 2600-100 HYBRID CNC PRESS BRAKE
- Tonnage: 110 Ton
- Bed Length: 8.5′
- Between Housings: 82″
Real-World Results: Case Studies in Structural Steel Automation
Clients who have adopted Liberty Systems’ automation solutions report dramatic improvements. One bridge fabricator reduced manual handling by 60%, slashing project lead times and rework. An oilfield equipment manufacturer integrated Prodevco and Akyapak lines, doubling throughput while reducing labor costs by 40%. These results are not outliers—they’re the new standard for forward-thinking fabricators.
Calculating ROI: Cost Savings and Productivity Gains
ROI in structural steel automation is driven by labor savings, increased throughput, and higher quality. Automated systems reduce the need for skilled operators, minimize scrap, and enable lights-out production. Most clients see payback in 12–24 months, with ongoing savings compounding year after year. As your advisor, I provide detailed ROI models tailored to your operation, factoring in your unique mix of materials, labor rates, and project volumes.
Why Choose Liberty Systems and Mac-Tech as Your Automation Partner
Choosing the right partner is as important as choosing the right equipment. Liberty Systems and Mac-Tech offer unmatched expertise, a proven track record, and a commitment to your long-term success. With me as your single point of contact, you gain access to best-in-class technology, responsive service, and a team that stands behind every installation. We don’t just sell machines—we deliver results.
Next Steps: Tailored Solutions and Expert Guidance
Every fabrication shop is different. That’s why we start with a comprehensive assessment of your workflow, bottlenecks, and growth goals. From there, I work with Liberty Systems and our technology partners to design a solution that fits your needs and budget. Whether you’re automating a single process or building a greenfield facility, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which automation solution is right for my shop?
We conduct a thorough workflow analysis and ROI assessment to recommend the best-fit equipment and integration strategy for your specific needs.
What is the typical lead time for installation and commissioning?
Lead times vary by machine, but most projects are completed within 3–6 months from order to production-ready status. I coordinate all logistics to keep your project on track.
Can Liberty Systems automation integrate with my existing equipment?
Yes, Liberty specializes in modular solutions that can be retrofitted or integrated with your current machines, minimizing disruption and maximizing return on investment.
What kind of training and support do you provide?
We offer comprehensive operator training, maintenance support, and remote troubleshooting. My team and I are always available for follow-up questions or on-site visits.
How do I calculate the ROI for automation in my operation?
I provide detailed ROI models based on your labor rates, material costs, and production volumes, so you can make an informed investment decision.
What makes Mac-Tech and Liberty Systems different from other suppliers?
Our turnkey approach, deep industry expertise, and commitment to customer success set us apart. With me as your single point of contact, you get streamlined communication and accountability.
Get Weekly Mac-Tech News & Updates
Similar Posts
Akyapak Systems Enhance Angle Line Processing Efficiency
In the article, Dave Graf discusses how Akyapak Systems enhance angle line processing efficiency through comprehensive automation solutions. These systems are crucial for industries like oil & gas, shipbuilding, bridge, and tower construction, where structural steel fabrication demands precision and speed. Akyapak’s technology streamlines operations, reducing manual intervention and increasing productivity. By implementing end-to-end automation, companies can achieve higher efficiency and improved product quality, driving competitive advantages in demanding markets. For more information, contact Dave Graf, Regional Sales Executive at Mac-Tech, at dave@mac-tech.com or 602-510-5552.
Akyapak Plate Roll Sizing for Tank Fabrication ROI
The article explains how Akyapak plate roll sizing for tank fabrication drives ROI by matching equipment capacity to production goals and enabling end-to-end automation planning. It highlights integration of rolling with material handling, welding, and downstream fit-up to reduce rework, cycle time, and labor while improving consistency and throughput. The approach supports scalable structural steel fabrication across oil and gas, shipbuilding, bridge, and tower construction, translating capital investment into predictable payback and shop-wide efficiency. Dave Graf Regional Sales Executive, Mac-Tech dave@mac-tech.com | 602-510-5552
Akyapak Plate Rolls Enhance Efficiency in Vessel Manufacturing
Dave Graf, Regional Sales Executive at Mac-Tech, discusses how Akyapak plate rolls are revolutionizing efficiency in vessel manufacturing. By offering end-to-end automation solutions, these advanced technologies significantly enhance structural steel fabrication across industries such as oil and gas, shipbuilding, bridge, and tower construction. The integration of Akyapak equipment streamlines processes, reduces production time, and improves overall output quality, providing substantial value for executives looking to optimize operations. Contact Info: Dave Graf Regional Sales Executive, Mac-Tech dave@mac-tech.com | 602-510-5552
Prodevco Integrated Beam Coping Drilling Improves ROI
Dave Graf explains how Prodevco integrated beam coping and drilling boosts ROI by streamlining structural steel fabrication from planning through installation. By automating layout, cutting, coping, drilling, marking, and material handling in a single workflow, fabricators reduce touch time, rework, and bottlenecks while improving accuracy and throughput. The approach supports end-to-end automation planning and integration for demanding sectors including oil & gas, shipbuilding, bridge, and tower construction, delivering faster turnaround and more predictable labor and cost performance. Dave Graf Regional Sales Executive, Mac-Tech dave@mac-tech.com | 602-510-5552
Ercolina Bending vs Cut Weld ROI for Fit-Up Risk
Dave Graf explains how comparing Ercolina bending to cut-weld methods clarifies ROI by reducing fit-up risk, rework, and labor variability in structural steel fabrication. The article frames bending as a planning-led automation decision, emphasizing end-to-end process evaluation, cell integration, and repeatable accuracy from material handling through final fit-up. It highlights measurable payback for oil and gas, shipbuilding, bridge, and tower construction by improving throughput, quality, and scheduling confidence. Dave Graf Regional Sales Executive, Mac-Tech dave@mac-tech.com | 602-510-5552
Ermaksan Automation Enhances Large Project Efficiency and Safety
Dave Graf, Regional Sales Executive at Mac-Tech, discusses how Ermaksan Automation enhances efficiency and safety in large projects across industries such as oil & gas, shipbuilding, bridge, and tower construction. By providing end-to-end automation solutions for structural steel fabrication, Ermaksan streamlines processes, reduces human error, and improves productivity. These advancements are crucial for executives seeking to optimize operations and ensure safety in complex projects. For more information, contact: Dave Graf Regional Sales Executive, Mac-Tech dave@mac-tech.com 602-510-5552
