At AP Precision, we understand that original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) need more than just a fabrication vendor — they need a responsive, scalable, and strategic partner. From variable production volumes to tight lead times, today’s manufacturing landscape demands adaptability and reliability. That’s why we’ve designed our services to support OEM clients with a high degree of flexibility, quality assurance, and logistical efficiency.
In this article, we answer some of the most common questions OEMs have about working with a custom fabrication partner like AP Precision and how our manufacturing model supports a wide range of supply chain needs.
What types of OEMs do you work with?
We work with a broad spectrum of OEMs across multiple industries, including:
- Electronics and enclosures
- Defense and aerospace components
- Commercial equipment manufacturers
- Industrial machinery and automation systems
- Medical and diagnostic device housings
Our clients range from startups scaling their first production run to established global manufacturers looking for a more responsive regional supply partner. No matter the size, we tailor our process to match your product demands and production goals.
Can you handle low-volume and high-volume production runs?
Yes — our facility is equipped to handle everything from prototyping and short-run production to high-volume manufacturing. We specialize in scalable support, which means we can help you launch a new product with small batch runs and ramp up production as your market grows.
We offer flexible scheduling, repeatable processes, and fast turnarounds to help OEMs maintain supply chain momentum without sacrificing quality.
What is your typical lead time for OEM orders?
Lead times vary depending on project complexity, material availability, and volume. However, our standard lead times for OEM orders typically fall within:
- 1–2 weeks for prototypes and small batch production
- 2–4 weeks for mid-volume repeat orders
- Expedited lead times available upon request
Because we manage all fabrication in-house, we maintain control over timelines and can often offer quicker delivery than overseas vendors or heavily backlogged contract manufacturers.
How do you ensure quality and consistency across production runs?
We maintain strict quality control standards that apply to every order, regardless of size. Our process includes:
- Pre-production engineering review
- CAD-to-CAM file verification
- Material certification checks
- In-process and final inspections
- Documentation and reporting on request
We are ISO 9001:2015 certified and follow documented procedures to ensure repeatability and precision — every time. OEM clients who require first article inspections (FAI), SPC tracking, or custom reporting can rely on our team to deliver without compromise.
What materials and processes do you offer for OEM production?
We work with a wide variety of materials and offer comprehensive metal fabrication services, including:
- Materials: Aluminum, stainless steel, carbon steel, copper, and specialty alloys
- Processes: Laser cutting, CNC machining, forming, welding, assembly, and finishing coordination
Our equipment and capabilities are ideal for precision parts, enclosures, frames, brackets, and complex assemblies across many applications.
Do you offer just-in-time (JIT) or blanket order fulfillment?
Yes — we provide flexible order fulfillment options, including:
- Just-in-time (JIT) delivery
- Kanban replenishment systems
- Blanket purchase order fulfillment
- Batch kitting and sub-assembly support
Our agile production model allows us to align with your inventory management strategy, reduce your carrying costs, and keep your production line moving efficiently.
Can you support engineering changes and product updates?
Absolutely. We work closely with engineering teams to implement design changes, improve manufacturability, and support product lifecycle updates. Whether you’re revising a part for better performance or adjusting tolerances for a new component fit, our team ensures those changes are reflected accurately in production without delays.
We maintain full revision control and traceability throughout the fabrication process to support quality assurance and compliance needs.
How do you manage communication and project updates?
OEM partnerships require transparency and responsiveness. At AP Precision, we prioritize clear, consistent communication through every stage of production. Our project managers and technical team are available for updates, status checks, and coordination to help you stay informed and confident in your supply chain.
We also provide real-time feedback during the quoting and prototyping phases to ensure each part meets both functional and manufacturing standards.
Do you offer custom packaging or shipping services?
Yes. We offer tailored packaging solutions to match your specifications, including:
- Part labeling and barcoding
- Custom protective packaging for sensitive parts
- Direct-to-distributor or third-party shipping
- Palletization, bulk, or individual unit packing
Our goal is to provide a turnkey solution that reduces handling and integrates seamlessly into your production or fulfillment process.
What sets AP Precision apart as an OEM partner?
OEM clients choose AP Precision because we offer:
- Speed and agility in production and delivery
- Scalable support from prototype to high-volume
- Reliable quality backed by ISO certification
- Transparent communication and customer-focused service
Our Southern California-based facility offers high responsiveness for West Coast OEMs, while our lean, in-house production model provides a competitive advantage over overseas vendors with longer lead times and less flexibility.
Have More Questions?
We’re here to help. If you’d like to learn more about our OEM support services, production capabilities, or quality assurance approach, contact us today. At AP Precision, we’re committed to helping OEM clients build smarter supply chains — with reliability and results you can count on.