As the end of the year approaches, many industrial operations begin to wind down or pause for holiday schedules and annual maintenance. But while the calendar slows, this period presents a strategic opportunity: scheduling your welding and fabrication shop work before the new year can lead to significant time and cost savings.
At AP Precision, we specialize in high-quality metal fabrication, welding, and custom component production. For clients planning upgrades, repairs, or new builds in Q1, getting ahead now means fewer delays, better pricing, and priority scheduling when the new year begins.
Why End-of-Year Scheduling Makes a Difference
December offers a unique alignment of operational downtime, budget availability, and vendor capacity. Facilities that use this time to plan and schedule shop work often start the new year ahead of their competition. Here’s how:
1. Lock in Current Material and Labor Rates
Material costs and labor rates often increase at the beginning of a new fiscal year due to market changes, inflation, or updated supplier agreements. By securing quotes and scheduling your project before year-end, you can:
- Take advantage of current pricing before rate adjustments
- Lock in material availability while inventories remain stable
- Avoid potential surcharges due to increased demand in January
This is especially beneficial for projects that require specialty metals, custom fabrication, or large quantities of welded parts.
2. Use Remaining Budget Funds Strategically
If your operation has unused capital or maintenance budgets that must be allocated before year-end, now is the time to act. Pre-scheduling shop work allows you to use that funding proactively rather than rushing into less valuable expenditures.
Whether you’re planning equipment upgrades, safety improvements, or infrastructure reinforcements, pre-booking fabrication work gives you tangible results that support productivity going into the next fiscal cycle.
3. Secure Preferred Production Slots
January and February are traditionally high-demand months in the fabrication industry. Clients who wait until after the holidays to schedule often encounter extended lead times or limited availability. Scheduling before the new year allows you to:
- Reserve a prime spot in the production queue
- Ensure delivery aligns with your Q1 startup or installation timeline
- Avoid being delayed by post-holiday backlogs
At AP Precision, we prioritize clients who schedule early and work closely with them to ensure timely delivery and project success.
4. Take Advantage of Seasonal Downtime
Many industrial environments experience planned downtime over the holidays. This is the perfect window to complete fabrication work, install upgrades, or prepare replacement parts without disrupting regular operations.
- Send damaged or worn parts in for repair while equipment is idle
- Complete small-scale retrofits that improve safety or efficiency
- Fabricate and stage components for early January installations
With a clear schedule and fewer competing priorities, both your internal team and external vendors can work more efficiently during this time.
5. Get Ahead of Q1 Projects
If you have fabrication needs planned for the first quarter—whether it’s custom parts, structural weldments, or precision components—December is the best time to plan and start production. You’ll be ready to implement as soon as your team is back in full swing in January.
Waiting until January to start planning introduces unnecessary delays that can impact your project timelines, equipment availability, and labor coordination.
6. Evaluate and Improve Vendor Collaboration
Planning ahead allows more time for clear communication and collaboration with your fabrication partner. You can:
- Review drawings or specs in detail
- Source alternative materials if necessary
- Optimize the design for performance, longevity, or cost savings
This leads to better project outcomes and fewer revisions, especially for custom or high-tolerance jobs.
Plan Smart. Execute Efficiently.
At AP Precision, we’re committed to helping our clients finish the year strong and start the next one even stronger. Whether you need immediate welding services, fabricated components, or long-term support for planned maintenance or upgrades, now is the ideal time to take action.
Don’t wait until the rush of Q1 to get your fabrication needs in order. Contact us today to discuss your end-of-year projects, get a quote, and reserve your spot on our production schedule.
Let’s Build Your Next Success—Starting Now
December doesn’t have to be downtime—it can be your most productive planning period. Use it to save time, reduce costs, and position your facility for operational success in the new year. AP Precision is here to help you execute with accuracy, efficiency, and unmatched quality.
Contact us to start the conversation and make sure your next project hits the ground running in 2025.