At Northern Manufacturing, we specialize in solving custom metal fabrication challenges with a unique blend of decades-long craftsmanship and advanced technology. Our niche is serving engineering companies who require a reliable, long-term fabrication partner to bring their designs to life in stainless steel.
We are stainless steel fabrication experts, pushing the boundaries of what is possible with our equipment and skilled team. When you partner with us, you gain access to a single-source fabrication facility — from precision laser cutting and forming to certified welding and finishing.
Our History
Northern Manufacturing was established in 1951 as a small sheet metal fabrication shop in Oak Harbor, Ohio. With a focus on quality craftsmanship and customer satisfaction, the company quickly gained a reputation for reliable service and attention to detail.
When J.D. Smith purchased the company in 1975, Northern had 8 employees and $250,000 in revenue. Under his leadership, the company expanded its capabilities and invested in advanced technology. In 1982, Jim Smith was awarded the US Department of Defense CAP Award for Excellent Quality Assurance — recognition that set the standard for the decades that followed.
Quintin Smith developed the VersaGage in 1990, a quality measurement tool that allowed fabricators to quickly and precisely measure various dimensions. The VersaGage played a crucial role in obtaining Ford Q1 certification and was recognized as a significant advancement in measuring technology.
In 1997, Northern adopted 3D CAD modeling, and in 1998 began offering laser welding services — expanding capabilities into high-precision, high-quality joining. In 2015, we introduced hybrid laser welding, combining laser and traditional arc welding for faster, more precise results.
In 2019, Tyson Smith and Haley Lonero acquired Northern Manufacturing, continuing the family legacy of innovation, quality, and customer focus. Under their leadership, the company continues to invest in state-of-the-art technology and expand its capabilities.
Our Facility
Our 160,000 square foot facility in Oak Harbor, Ohio is purpose-built for stainless steel fabrication. Key features include:
- Dedicated stainless-only production space — a separate room for stainless steel work that prevents carbon steel contamination, protecting material integrity and corrosion resistance
- 55-foot pickling and passivation booth — in-house chemical treatment per ASTM A380 and A967 for large assemblies, eliminating outsourcing delays
- Laser cutting bay — flat laser, tube laser, and 5-axis laser cutting for complex geometries in stainless plate, sheet, and tube
- Robotic welding cells — automated welding for production runs with consistent quality and throughput
- Heavy forming equipment — press brakes and plate rolls rated for stainless steel thicknesses
Everything from raw plate to finished, passivated components is produced under one roof. This single-source approach eliminates transportation between vendors, reduces lead times, and maintains chain of custody on material traceability.
Our Team
Our workforce is our competitive advantage. Northern employs over 60 AWS certified welders with experience across the full range of stainless steel and specialty alloy grades. Our welders hold qualifications per ASME BPVC Section IX and AWS D1.6 for stainless steel structural and process applications.
Beyond welding, our team includes engineers who collaborate with customers on design-for-manufacturability, quality inspectors trained in NDE methods (RT, UT, MT, PT), and production planners who manage complex multi-stage fabrication sequences.
How We Work
Quality management. Our ISO 9001:2015 certified quality management system governs every process — from incoming material verification through final inspection and documentation.
Customer collaboration. We work directly with your engineering team on design-for-manufacturability reviews. Catching fabrication challenges at the design stage prevents costly changes downstream.
Prototype to production. Whether you need a single prototype or production quantities, our facility and team scale to match. The same welding procedures, inspection protocols, and quality standards apply regardless of quantity.
Engineering support. Our team provides input on material selection, weld joint design, forming feasibility, and tolerance achievability. We are fabrication engineers, not just fabrication vendors.