Forging the Future: How Tuckey Metal Fabricators is Leading the Way in a Rapidly Evolving Industry

The world of metal fabrication is evolving fast. With the rise of artificial intelligence, increasing demand for custom solutions, and tighter integration between mechanical systems and fabrication, the industry is moving beyond traditional welds and cuts. At the forefront of this shift is Tuckey Metal Fabricators, a division of The Tuckey Companies, where innovation, diversity of services, and deep customer relationships are shaping the future.

By embracing new technologies while also staying rooted in time-tested craftsmanship, Tuckey is uniquely positioned to lead the next era of fabrication. Read on to see what Kenn Tuckey, President of The Tuckey Companies, and Logan Miller, Project Development Manager, have to say about where the industry is headed.

A Fabrication Range Unlike Any Other

Tuckey Metal Fabricators brings unmatched versatility to the table. From food-grade stainless steel to intricate museum installations and industrial ductwork, our capabilities span a wide spectrum, which is an increasingly rare quality in a highly specialized industry.

“There’s a lot of competition that sticks to one lane—maybe just carbon steel, or basic ductwork,” explains Kenn Tuckey, CEO of The Tuckey Companies. “We’re different. We work across a wide range of metals, applications, and industries. That diversity is one of our biggest strengths.”

Logan Miller, Project Development Manager, echoes this sentiment. “Requests come in from all over. Someone might need repairs on warehouse conveyors while others want components for a vintage car or custom-fabricated shipping parts. We’ve even fabricated running boards for a 1939 Cadillac. There’s no telling what kind of call might come in next.”

This agility means that Tuckey can take on both complex, high-end applications—like precision components for hospital and food-grade environments—and smaller, specialized jobs, offering the same attention to detail and service no matter the scale.

A True Turnkey Provider

What makes Tuckey truly stand out isn’t just what we fabricate, but how we approach solving problems. Rather than simply producing parts to order, the company regularly partners with clients to deliver complete, end-to-end solutions, including system design, fabrication, installation, and integration with mechanical, electrical, or HVAC systems from other Tuckey divisions.

“Many clients come to us with a challenge, not a blueprint,” says Kenn Tuckey. “They want a complete fix, not just a component. And because we have multiple trades under one roof, we can deliver fully integrated solutions.”

From millwrights and welders to mechanical service teams and restoration experts, Tuckey coordinates across its internal divisions to offer a streamlined process. This reduces friction, speeds up timelines, and ensures quality at every stage. This turnkey capability has become a major value point for clients, especially those juggling multiple vendors and complex project scopes.

Embracing AI and the Next Era of Fabrication

As the industry shifts toward greater automation and system intelligence, Tuckey Metal Fabricators is evolving alongside it. The team has been actively exploring opportunities to integrate artificial intelligence and programmable systems into our work, particularly in projects that involve machinery and controls.

“With the rise of AI, there’s a lot of potential to build smarter systems,” says Tuckey. “We’re looking at solutions where fabrication is only one part of a broader automation setup—conveyors, sorting systems, precision bending—all potentially guided by AI-driven controls.”

Logan Miller notes that many clients are beginning to expect this kind of integration. “More and more, customers want a full solution. It’s not just a metal part—they want custom fabrication, plus integration with machinery and controls. That means we’re not only building components; we’re also getting familiar with the systems that power them.”

While some elements of this work are currently outsourced, the company anticipates that future advancements, along with internal investment, will allow us to bring more of these services in-house.

Technology and Trades: Growing in Tandem

Despite the promise of AI, the leadership at Tuckey is quick to emphasize that skilled tradespeople remain at the heart of fabrication. Tuckey believes that the future of the industry depends on a balanced evolution where digital tools and human craftsmanship grow together.

“There’s a challenge right now,” Tuckey explains. “Technology is advancing rapidly—modeling, precision, computer-guided systems—but if we don’t develop trade skills at the same pace, the system falls out of balance. You still need welders, fabricators, millwrights—the people who know how to make it all work.”

That belief is reflected in Tuckey’s ongoing investment in workforce development, from internships to mentorship programs and partnerships with local schools. The company is deeply committed to preparing the next generation of skilled workers, ensuring that talent and technology move forward together.

Built on Trust, Backed by Relationships

Trust isn’t just a buzzword at Tuckey—it’s built into every client relationship. The team regularly collaborates with third-party vendors and even competitors, always with the understanding that discretion and professionalism are paramount.

“We respect that it’s the client’s project,” says Miller. “Even when we’re working with mechanical service companies we might compete with in other settings, we treat every job with confidentiality and integrity.”

Long-term relationships are at the core of the company’s business model. Instead of focusing on one-off sales, the team builds enduring partnerships. Many of these partnerships span years or even decades.

Looking Forward: Strategic Growth and Smart Investments

As the company looks to the future, Tuckey continues to explore new tools and technologies—from AI-integrated presses to advanced laser cutters and robotic systems. But leadership remains selective and strategic about when and how to adopt.

“Sometimes it’s better to wait for the next evolution of the technology,” says Miller. “It’s about customer needs, application fit, and timing.”

One such example is their press brake system, which is already capable of integrating with robotic arms. The potential for overnight, automated operation is on the horizon—but Tuckey is waiting for the right moment to invest, ensuring both the tech and the team are ready.

A Vision for the Industry’s Future

Tuckey Metal Fabricators represents the future of the metalworking industry: diverse, forward-thinking, and rooted in human connection. With deep expertise, cutting-edge technology, and an unwavering commitment to trust and quality, the company is not just responding to industry trends—we’re helping to shape them.

In an industry where many are choosing to specialize narrowly or automate fully, Tuckey’s balanced, relationship-driven, and tech-enabled approach is something we’re very proud of, and makes us a partner clients return to again and again.