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From Used equipment to Industry Leadership

Adam Smelewski
Adam Smelewski |

With over two decades of experience helping fabricators adopt next-generation technology, Adam has supported hundreds of shops across the Midwest in modernizing their operations and achieving scalable growth. His expertise spans lasers, press brakes, automation, and integrated fabrication solutions, with a focus on building partnerships that go beyond the sale.

In 2019, I met a manufacturer in Indiana who had never purchased new fabrication equipment. His operation relied entirely on used machines — effective but limited. That same year, I invited him on a trip to Japan to tour a leading manufacturer’s facility and experience cutting-edge fiber laser and automation technologies firsthand.

The timing was unforgettable. In February 2020, while COVID was beginning to disrupt global travel, we walked the streets of Tokyo and climbed Tokyo Tower, not knowing how soon the world would shut down.

Only months later, in May 2020, during the height of uncertainty, this customer made a bold move: he ordered his very first new 10,000-watt fiber laser with automation.

The Results of Bold Action

The decision paid off. Within five years, this shop:

  • Expanded into a 100,000 sq. ft. facility

  • Installed five flat lasers and two tube lasers

  • Added seven press brakes (including a large robotic model)

  • Implemented nitrogen generation and high-pressure air cutting

  • Scaled automation with welding, machining, and beyond

This growth wasn’t just about technology. It was about building trust. Our relationship, born from that trip, meant I became his first phone call for every equipment decision — even for solutions we don’t sell.

Lessons for the Future of Fabrication

This success highlights trends reshaping the industry:

  1. Automation as a Growth Driver
    Shops that integrate lasers, robotic weld cells, and smart press brakes are moving faster and more competitively than ever.

  2. Energy & Gas Efficiency
    High-pressure air cutting and nitrogen generation are now critical to reducing costs and scaling production sustainably.

  3. Trusted Partnerships
    Technology is only half the equation. Having an advisor who understands the full manufacturing ecosystem ensures long-term success.

  4. Resilient Decision-Making
    Even during global uncertainty, bold moves can position manufacturers for long-term leadership.

Looking Ahead

Fabrication in the Midwest and beyond is entering a new era. Shops that embrace automation, invest in energy efficiency, and lean on trusted advisors will set the pace for the next decade.

At Capital Machine, we’re committed to empowering fabricators with the right tools, insights, and relationships to thrive in this changing landscape.

👉 Ready to explore what robotic welding could unlock for your business?

 Contact our Solutions Team Today 

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