Manufacturing companies often struggle with the same question: how do you modernize a business built on decades of tradition without losing what made it successful? Lance Thrailkill faces this challenge daily as the third-generation owner and CEO of All Metals Fabricating, a company that’s been operating for over 70 years. His approach to implementing new technology offers practical insights for manufacturers navigating the balance between innovation and proven methods.
You Can Start Small or Big, but Just Start!
Lance didn’t overthink his first big technology move. When it was time to modernize, he went all in. “We started big by investing in a $2 million automated laser cutting machine,” he says. It wasn’t exactly a small step, but it worked for his company. The machine runs “lights out,” meaning it can operate without constant supervision; a major leap in efficiency. But what Lance discovered after that bold investment was even more important: you don’t always need to spend millions to see real results. “There are simple ways to invest in automation using tools you may already have,” he explains. “Your ERP system, for example, might include features for automating reporting or streamlining accounting.” Sometimes the most powerful tools are already in your software, just waiting to be used.
Today, All Metals Fabricating uses automation across almost every part of the business. From quoting and estimating in the front office to laser cutting, bending, welding, and machining on the shop floor, automation is fully integrated. The real lesson isn’t about going big or small. It’s about getting started and recognizing that technology doesn’t belong in its own corner, it should be part of how your entire business operates.
Make Sure Your Key Players are On Board
Naturally running a company that’s been around for 70 years comes with its fair share of baggage. People expect you to do things the way they’ve always been done. Lance found a way around that problem by focusing on what really matters to his workers. “The goal is to help people do their job more efficiently,” he says.
That efficiency focus changes everything. Instead of asking people to learn completely new ways of working, he looks for technology that makes their current jobs easier. “That could be as simple as buying a couple hundred dollar tool that helps them automate the process,” he points out. Small wins matter just as much as big investments. When you frame technology as a helper instead of a replacement, people stop fighting it. Lance’s approach proves that old companies don’t have to choose between their history and their future. You can keep what works while making it work better.
Build on Momentum
Lance learned the hard way that buying good equipment means nothing if your people won’t use it. “The worst mistake you can make is buying a new machine without getting the buy-in of people that are going to run it,” he warns. His solution sounds simple, but most companies skip this step entirely. He brings department leaders along when evaluating new equipment. “I bring the person that is leading that department to go see all the best equipment available to them for their application, and I actually let them make the decision of which machine we’re going to choose,” Lance explains. The person who has to use the equipment gets to pick it.
He takes it one step further by removing the fear of making the wrong choice. “I tell them, hey, if it doesn’t work out, if this ends up not being the best machine, don’t worry. I’m your fall guy. It’s my fault if it’s a bad decision. If it’s a good decision, you get all the glory.” That kind of leadership support makes people willing to try new things. Success builds on itself in manufacturing. Once people see technology making their jobs easier, they want more of it. “If you start small or big, just continue to build on that momentum. Realize there’s no point of arrival in technology,” Lance says. The goal isn’t to implement technology once and call it done.
Lance sees this momentum building across his entire operation. “The culture will begin to engage in it. They will see the buy-in. They will be bought in. And you need to utilize that energy to continue to build and continue to invest in the tools that will help your team do their job most efficiently.” When your people start asking for better tools instead of resisting them, you know you’re doing something right. All Metals Fabricating proves that old manufacturing companies can embrace new technology without losing their identity. Lance’s approach focuses on people first, which makes everything else easier.
Follow Lance Thrailkill on LinkedIn to see how traditional manufacturing can stay cutting-edge.
