The 2025 SMACNA Fab Forum gathered fabricators, contractors, and technology partners for three days of shop-focused education, live equipment tours, and peer networking. As an Elite-Level Sponsor, Mestek Machinery was on the ground listening to every keynote, breakout, and shop floor conversation. Below are the five big ideas your team should act on right now to stay ahead of the curve.
First, you can check out this recap video from SMACNA to get an idea of the overall experience.
1. Digital Fabrication Platforms Are Moving From “Nice-to-Have” to “Must-Have”
Sessions and exhibitor demos consistently highlighted connected platforms such as MSUITE’s BIM-to-Fab workflow and Procore’s new Connectability for Drawings, which promise realtime tracking from model to machine.
Why it matters: Shops that unify estimating, scheduling, nesting, and production data decrease rework and accelerate approvals.
How Mestek Machinery helps: Our Lockformer® Vulcan CAM software and OPCUA ready controls integrate seamlessly with leading fabrication management suites, giving you a single source of truth from coil to crating.
2. Automation Is No Longer Optional—It’s the Benchmark
The McCuskerGill facility tour showcased a 60,000 ft² HVAC duct plant where automated coil lines, fiber lasers, and robotic material handling have doubled throughput without expanding headcount.
Why it matters: Automated lines cut labor bottlenecks, stabilize quality, and protect margins in a tight labor market.
How Mestek Machinery helps: From the Iowa Precision Pro Fabriduct® coil line to the Class 1 safety rated Lockformer® Vulcan Fiber Laser Cutting System, our portfolio enables fully automated production with repeatable accuracy.
3. Safety & Compliance Standards Are Rising—Especially Around Lasers
With OSHA and FDA guidance tightening, multiple presenters stressed enclosed, Class 1-rated fiber laser systems and integrated fume extraction as the new baseline for shop safety.
Why it matters: Safer equipment reduces risk, insurance premiums, and downtime while supporting employee retention.
How Mestek Machinery helps: The Lockformer® Vulcan Fiber Laser and patented shroud design meet Class 1 safety requirements, no additional guarding or dark room needed.
4. Upskilling Your Workforce Pays the Highest ROI
Breakout tracks on apprenticeship programs, cross training, and leadership pipelines emphasized that technology adoption only succeeds when people can run it.
Why it matters: Shops investing in continuous learning report faster rampups on new machinery and lower turnover.
How Mestek Machinery helps: Every machine purchase includes onsite training, online refreshers, and optional advanced courses so your crew not only learns but masters new capabilities quickly.
5. Lean, Sustainable Fabrication Is Becoming a Bid Requirement
Owners and general contractors increasingly ask for carbon-aware practices—energy efficient drives, optimized nesting to cut scrap, and digital documentation to verify ESG metrics.
Why it matters: Demonstrating lean, sustainable processes differentiates your bids and prepares you for forthcoming regulatory reporting.
How Mestek Machinery helps: Our Vulcan software maximizes sheet utilization and exports scrap reduction reports for your sustainability audits.
Key Actions for Your Shop
- Map your data flow. Identify manual handoffs between design and production and pilot a connected platform.
- Audit automation gaps. Prioritize high-volume, repetitive steps—coil blanking, laser cutting, seam closing—for ROI-proven upgrades.
- Update safety protocols. Align equipment guarding, ventilation, and training with the latest OSHA/FDA guidance.
- Invest in people. Pair every equipment upgrade with a structured training path and skills matrix.
- Track sustainability metrics. Start capturing kWh per part and scrap rates to meet future bid requirements.
Ready to Turn Insights into Action?
As the Fab Forum made clear, success in 2025 hinges on integrated technology, smart automation, and a skilled, safety-first workforce. Mestek Machinery stands ready with the equipment, software, and support to help you capitalize on each takeaway. Contact us at sales@mestekmachinery.com or through our website to schedule a personalized consultation or an in-shop demo.
Stay tuned for more event recaps and best practice guides throughout the year.