April marks National Welding Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of welders across various industries. From crafting lightweight subassemblies to weldments weighing more than 40,000 lbs., the welders at O’Neal Manufacturing Services ensure our parts are well-made, tested, and structurally sound. In honor of #NationalWeldingMonth, some of our very own team members have shared insights on their experience and advice for aspiring welders.

What aspects of your job are the most rewarding?

• The challenge of taking something on paper and turning it into a reality
• Building parts and seeing how they are used on a daily basis
• Creating something complex out of something simple
• The pay is pretty good being a welder
• When we accomplish something that we didn’t think was possible
• Doing something different every day
• Finishing a project that I worked hard on
• Finding new and better solutions to problems
• I enjoy the creativity of working with my hands
• I am able to build something and see what it becomes

What advice would you give someone considering a career in welding?

• Attention to detail is key
• Take pride in your work and be consistent
• Be flexible with new technology  
• Don’t be scared of hard work and getting dirty
• Try new things and challenge yourself
• Use your safety protection
• Be willing to learn and ask questions
• Take your time and practice – practice makes perfect
• Trust yourself and believe in your skill and experience
• A career in welding has many opportunities and allows you to pivot in many directions

At O’Neal Manufacturing Services, we are proud of the talent and dedication of our welders, and we salute the craftsmanship of welders everywhere.

Let’s Build Things!

Click here to learn more about our welding capabilities.

Government entities utilize heavy-duty filing cabinets designed to protect sensitive and confidential information. These organizations need a reliable partner to ensure their cabinets are crafted to maintain maximum document security.

O’Neal Manufacturing Services (OMS) provides cabinets and enclosures built with an elevated level of security for their contents. Following customers’ specific design requirements, OMS enlists proven fabrication methods to ensure that filed contents are kept private and uncompromised even in the most intrusive circumstances. 

Custom Fabrication Options

Recognizing that the needs of each organization may differ, OMS offers customizable fabrication services for cabinet drawers, frames, and shelves. With in-house manufacturing capabilities of shearing, punching, forming welding, powder coating, kitting, and assembly, OMS ensures the cabinet solution aligns seamlessly with the specific design and security preferences of its customers.

GSA-Approved Security Cabinets

GSA (General Services Administration) approved security containers are specialized storage solutions designed to meet the stringent security requirements set by the U.S. government for the protection of classified information and assets. O’Neal Manufacturing Services provides Class-6, GSA-approved security cabinets under Federal Specification AA-F-358. OMS builds to the specific needs of our customers requiring security cabinets resistant to 20-man hours surreptitious entry and 30 man-minutes covert entry.

Outsource Security Cabinet Fabrication with Confidence

The proven fabrication methods of OMS ensure that filed contents are kept private and uncompromised. In addition, O’Neal Manufacturing Services offers complex supply chain management and integration through tested manufacturing processes for development and production. Their industry expertise ensures that confidentiality isn’t just a promise – it’s a guarantee.

O’Neal Manufacturing Services was recently highlighted in The Fabricator with an article that emphasizes the customer benefit of the manufacturing redundancy we provide, specifically focusing on operations in our Pittsburgh, PA facility. It highlights OMS’s recent investment in a heavy-duty press brake, enhancing its capability to bend very large workpieces, a development proving to be a competitive advantage.

The technological advantages of the TRUMPF TruBend 8010 press brake have significantly reduced scrap and improved repeatability. Not to be overlooked are the skilled operators of OMS, who remain crucial to our success, especially in handling large and awkward parts, where safety and expertise are paramount.

In terms of process efficiency, scrap reduction, and overall improvement in bending operations, the article features the transformative impact of Pittsburgh’s newest heavy-duty press brake on our facility’s overall manufacturing capabilities.

Read more on The Fabricator’s website here.

The Fabricator magazine focuses on the metal fabrication industry, covering a wide range of topics related to metalworking processes, equipment, technologies, and best practices. It caters to professionals involved in various aspects of metal fabrication, including fabricators, welders, machinists, engineers, managers, and business owners.

O’Neal Manufacturing Services offers specialized fabrication with additional finishing capabilities for any type of large or complex project. We stand above the competition by providing painting and powder coating capabilities on-site and pass the advantages along to our customers.  

Customization

O’Neal Manufacturing Services extends color matching to our fabricated metal products, maintaining brand identity and uniformity for our OEM customers. By accommodating specific color preferences, finishes, and special coatings, we provide tailored solutions to meet their unique needs.

Calibrated colorimeters to ensure color control consistency and hold Delta E to under .85. By offering both manual and auto gun applications, our experienced operators oversee perfect color matching on every piece.

In addition to precise color matching, we offer a myriad of finishes, allowing customers to achieve the desired look and feel for their equipment. This flexibility is particularly valuable in industries like construction equipment or industrial machinery, where ruggedness and durability are as important as aesthetics.

Quality Assurance

At OMS, we incorporate a 5-stage wash system to meet the highest cleaning standards in the industry. Our automated paint booths allow for premium contamination control and flawless paint application for a high-performance finish.

Environmentally controlled powder coating lines apply a corrosion-preventative finish to meet our customers’ exact specifications. Experienced technicians maintain oven and line calibration. These on-site processes help mitigate risks related to quality issues or delays that may arise from using external painting vendors.

Streamlined Process

O’Neal Manufacturing Services streamlines part production with in-house painting and powder coating, meeting our customers’ needs for secondary fabrication and part finishing. This integrated approach reduces further outsourcing and ensures faster project turnaround times. By offering in-house wet painting and powder coating, we provide a more comprehensive and efficient service to our customers, resulting in quality finishes, color matching, faster delivery times, and increased customer satisfaction.

O’Neal Manufacturing Services’ Cincinnati is equipped with a diverse range of capabilities to produce metal fabrications and welded assemblies. Original equipment manufacturers and contractors requiring high-volume, light gauge, precision sheet metal fabrication will find innovation and efficiency from our centrally based facility in the tri-state area.  

Integrated Shearing, Punching, and Bending 

Utilizing CNC machinery, our 48-station LVD Strippit turret punch system creates up to 200 holes per minute, making the most of your tooling budget by producing parts with a high pierce count. Both the LVD Strippit and our Salvagnini automation system quickly load, punch, shear, notch, bend, and unload light gauge sheet metal with the shortest cycle times.  

Laser Cutting Precision 

10K fiber laser cutting technology elevates our capabilities to the next level. With a capacity of 5’ x 10’, this advanced cutting method enables us to achieve intricate designs, tight tolerances, and superior edge quality. 

Robotic Welding Excellence 

Enhance your efficiency with our automated welding capabilities. Receive high-volume parts with consistent weld precision through our robotic welding station. We also offer 7 manual welding stations for the greatest capacity and quality finish. 

Powder Coating Perfection 

Aesthetics meet durability with our powder coating line. Featuring dual capabilities of both Autogun and manual spray, we apply epoxy, polyester, polyurethane, or a hybrid finish to a wide range of parts. Our 5-stage wash system, environmentally controlled application booth, and 120 ft. curing oven can accommodate parts ranging from 36” x 48” x 120”. 

Kitting and Assembly 

Streamlining the supply chain is our forte. The Cincinnati facility excels in kitting and assembly for turn-key products and sub-assemblies. Custom operations and Kanban inventory are available to meet your outsourcing needs. 

Partnership Approach 

O’Neal Manufacturing Services’ Cincinnati fabrication plant is a hub of innovation, precision, and reliability. With a comprehensive lineup of equipment, capacity, and manufacturing redundancies, we stand ready to support your supply chain needs.  

O’Neal Manufacturing Services supports heavy equipment fabrication needs with precision, high-volume machining solutions. Across our fabrication hubs, we are equipped with over 30 milling and machining bays—from large, 5-axis milling operations to high-production CNC machining centers. Our commitment to on-time, repetitive fabrication through a broad spectrum of milling and machining options sets us apart in supporting your most critical applications.

• Our vertical machining centers excel in processing the toughest materials, maintaining tight tolerance, and providing exceptional surface finish. 
• With an extended work envelope and long Y-axis, our bridge mill is designed to machine large format parts, meeting the demands of your oversized production needs.
• We offer multi-angle machining and simultaneous 5-axis contouring that are perfectly suited for large parts.
• Large-capacity CNC milling centers are equipped with extra-large work beds, enabling high-speed milling for long workpieces.

Advantages of CNC Machining Centers

Machining centers at OMS operate through a combination of software programming and control systems that are designed to perform multiple turning, milling, and drilling operations. While basic functions of machining include milling, drilling, and tapping, CNC machining centers offer the advantage of automated tooling paired with the efficiency, precision, and stability required for repeatable, high-volume production.

Beyond the capabilities of standard milling and machining operations, advanced CNC technology is essential to achieve optimal manufacturing redundancies by maintaining tight tolerances and eliminating the need for additional manufacturing steps.

Experience the OMS Advantage

At OMS, we provide fully automated machining equipment, representing the most current in technology. This not only offers significant capacity but also ensures quality and reliability through every production cycle. We are the ideal partner for repeatable, high-volume fabrication tailored to meet the diverse needs of heavy equipment manufacturers.

Contact O’Neal Manufacturing Services today for all your precision machining requirements.

We are honored to recognize our team members selected to receive the OMS Magnolia Award. These individuals embody the values of honesty, integrity, respect, reliability, perseverance, and excellence. Because of their dedication to our company, we can maintain resiliency, build strong roots, and continue to be adaptable to the ever-changing world around us. Congratulations! 

We are proud to announce that Terrena Kayondo, OMS Human Resource Manager, has been named in the Birmingham Business Journal’s Who’s Who in Diversity and Inclusion. Showcasing individuals who keep diversity at the forefront of their workplaces, the Birmingham Business Journal recognizes the organizational impact of Terrena’s efforts to create an inclusive and equitable culture at O’Neal Manufacturing Services.

As the DE&I Committee chairperson, Terrena’s work has been instrumental in developing sustainable initiatives across our organization. Over the past three years, the committee has worked to foster an inclusive environment at each OMS facility in North America. Education and resources developed by the committee have supported diversity education and advocacy for underrepresented groups both within our company and also within the local communities where our facilities reside.

OMS recognizes, respects, and supports the unique characteristics and experiences that have shaped the lives of our employees. We continue to cultivate an inclusive environment where differences are positively embraced and everyone feels valued, considered, and accepted. Terrena’s contribution has been a significant factor in supporting our efforts to promote belonging across our business. We gratefully congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition.  

A vibrant atmosphere of celebration was present in Monterrey, Mexico as O’Neal Manufacturing Services commemorated 25 years of business. A significant milestone in the company’s history, the event drew over 1400 attendees made up of employees and their families as well as distinguished guests who gathered to participate in this special occasion.

O’Neal Manufacturing Services President, Kent Brown, reflected on the challenges faced and the triumphs achieved over the past 25 years and expressed his gratitude for the unwavering support received throughout the company’s history.

“It is inspiring to see how much growth our Monterrey facility has experienced. You overcame many obstacles, and it is especially fitting that we celebrate this milestone during such a prosperous year. Thank you for living our values of honesty, integrity, perseverance, and reliability every day. As we mark the 25th anniversary, we are stronger than ever.”

Employees were recognized for their long-standing years of service, with special awards presented to those who have been part of the journey since the company’s inception. General Manager, Esteban Garza, has twenty years of service with the company himself and marked the anniversary celebration as a true testament to the dedication and hard work that has made OMS Monterrey a dominant leader in the manufacturing industry. 

“Today is filled with happiness and great pride,” remarked Garza. “By honoring our employee’s long tenure in conjunction with our 25th anniversary, we recognize that together, we truly do build great things.”  

The atmosphere was infused with the vibrant culture of the people of OMS Monterrey.  Food, games, songs, and laughter provided a spirited energy that resonated with all those present. The 25th-anniversary celebration was more than just a ceremony, it was a tribute to the entire team and their dedication to the success of our company. Congratulations!  

At OMS, we believe that an investment in our employees will not only strengthen the quality of our workforce but will cultivate a mindset for innovation and development that will directly benefit our customers. Across our facilities, multiple training platforms and resources are offered to develop the strengths of our employees and in turn, deliver the best possible results for our customers.

• APEX – Production Control Certification
• CWI – Certified Welder Inspector Certification
• IMT – Industrial Manufacturing Technician Certification
• Journeyman Certificate/Apprenticeship Program
• OMS Monterrey Welding School
• PHR – Professional in Human Resources
• Safety and Compliance Training

In addition, we offer and/or participate in specialized training:

• Connection Sales Training
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Training
• Employment Law Training for HR Professionals
• First Line Supervisor Training
• LEAP – Leadership, Executions, and Action Planning
• MSCI SMM – Strategic Metals Management
• Thayer Leadership at West Point
• EPIC Leadership Program

The OMS EPIC leadership program is an 15-month-long series of training intended to support individuals who have been identified as high-potential leaders. Promoting performance, innovation, empowerment, and character, attendees from each OMS facility enroll in MSCI’s Thayer Leadership at West Point, Strategic Metals Management Course, and other training programs at our Birmingham. AL headquarters. EPIC cohorts gain valuable leadership skills that will steer O’Neal Manufacturing Services toward 2024 and beyond.

We are committed to providing each of our clients with strategic manufacturing support that produces superior, high-performing products. OMS offers a secure, flexible manufacturing solution for reliable, long-term growth. Let’s Build Things!®