Posts by Mark Engel
Atlas Tech Talk: The Complete Guide to Capacitor Discharge (CD) Stud Welding
When it comes to attaching fasteners to thin or cosmetically sensitive sheet metal, engineers face a critical challenge: how do you create a strong, permanent bond without warping, discoloration, or backside marking? For Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) where quality and appearance are non-negotiable, the answer is often Capacitor Discharge (CD) stud welding. While the name…
Read MoreAtlas Tech Talk: Rethinking the Hinge with Integrated Forming
When designing a sheet metal enclosure, cabinet, or chassis, the need for a door or access panel is a common requirement. The traditional approach is straightforward: purchase a standard continuous or “piano” hinge, and then invest the additional labor to attach it to your components with fasteners, welds, or adhesives. This method is functional, but…
Read MoreThe Heart of Atlas: More Than a Career, It’s a Legacy
In any company’s history, there are milestones that invite reflection. Recently, Atlas Manufacturing celebrated two such milestones with the retirements of Mark J. after an incredible 47 years of service, and Ben P., a cornerstone of our Chippewa Falls team, after 39 years. Combined, that’s 86 years of dedication, expertise, and partnership. In today’s world,…
Read MoreNavigating the Manufacturing Slowdown: How Strategic Partnerships Create Stability
Economic headlines over the past two weeks have been grim for U.S. manufacturing. Federal Reserve data show that total industrial production slipped 0.1 % in July and manufacturing output was unchanged, suggesting little momentum (federalreserve.gov). Durable‑goods orders, driven by a plunge in transportation equipment, tumbled 9.3 % in June (census.gov), while orders across all manufactured goods fell…
Read MoreAtlas Manufacturing Expands Wisconsin Operations with New 48,000 Sq. Ft. Facility
A major step forward in precision sheet metal capacity and future-ready manufacturing Atlas Manufacturing is proud to announce the acquisition of a new 48,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Lake Hallie, Wisconsin. Situated on 23 acres, this expansion represents a pivotal milestone in our continued growth—and a clear commitment to serving our customers with greater…
Read MoreTariff Update Part 4: Navigating the “Tariff Squeeze” During the 90-Day Tariff Pause
In an unexpected yet welcome move, the U.S. and China recently agreed to a temporary 90-day pause on elevated tariffs, significantly reducing import duties from previously high levels down to roughly 30%. For manufacturers like us at Atlas—and many of our clients who rely on imported components such as fastening hardware—this shift offers some much-needed…
Read MoreReshoring Sheet Metal Fabrication: A Smart Move in a Tariff-Driven World
As global trade tensions rise and tariffs continue to disrupt offshore manufacturing economics, OEMs across industries are rethinking their supply chain strategies. For those relying on precision sheet metal fabrication, reshoring production has become more than a patriotic talking point—it’s a strategic business decision. Why Sheet Metal Is Primed for Reshoring Unlike highly commoditized components,…
Read MoreAtlas Takes the Spotlight: Our Journey with Returnable Packaging Featured in The Fabricator Magazine
We’re thrilled to announce that our innovative approach to returnable packaging has been featured in the latest issue of The Fabricator Magazine! This exciting article, titled A Metal Fabricator’s Relationship with Returnable Packaging, shines a light on how our commitment to safer, more efficient shipping solutions is transforming the way metal fabricators do business. Celebrating…
Read MoreTariff Update Part 2: April Market Impacts and Pricing Volatility
April 2025 – On the heels of new tariff announcements, the steel market is experiencing significant volatility. On April 2, the U.S. administration expanded its tariff regime under a so-called “Liberation Day” policy. The new measures, aimed at broadening tariff coverage and pressuring trade partners, include: These April tariffs are in addition to the existing…
Read More2025 Tariff Update: Steel & Aluminum Tariffs Rise to 25% and Global Trade Tensions Mount
UPDATE April 7th, 2025 – Click Here March 14, 2025 – The trade landscape has shifted dramatically with the confirmation of new U.S. tariffs and ensuing responses from key trading partners. The United States government has confirmed 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, a move that is impacting a wide range of industrial materials…
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