Metal is one of the most important materials in manufacturing, construction, transportation, and other industries, which is why maintaining a reliable metal supply, if you are in one of those sectors, is so important.
Metal is so versatile that many people who are not industry experts actually don’t know for how many purposes it can be used. This quick overview of just some of the uses of metal for commercial businesses can help instil an appreciation for this versatile material.
1. Constructing Entire Buildings
Most people know that metal is an important component of the construction industry. However, fewer people know that you can actually use metal to construct entire buildings instead of combining it with other materials such as concrete.
Metal buildings are becoming increasingly common because they are easy to assemble, relatively affordable, and offer a quick solution for companies that need some sort of structure in place immediately but may not be able to construct a standard building from scratch. Metal buildings can be used for storage and even office spaces on construction sites.
Many small service industry businesses, such as pop-up cafes, will operate out of metal buildings for low overhead costs and a trendy industrial feeling.
2. Delivering Utility Services
Metal is an important backbone of municipal services, not just for private businesses. Without metal, you cannot deliver plumbing, water, and even electricity. Metal pipes are often used for water services. Metal, particularly aluminum, is an important component of long-distance power lines.
Even within individual homes and buildings, metal is important for distributing these utilities to where they need to go. Copper is used for in-home electrical wiring, while aluminum is an important component of heating and cooling systems.
If you work with electricity, plumbing, or any other important utility, on any level, you need a reliable metal supply.
3. Marketing and Communication Materials
Metal has a heavy-duty, industrial connotation, but it is also vital in what some see as softer applications. Metal is an important material for signage, whether that is forming the base of a stop sign or the important sign itself. Without metal, communicating relevant information, particularly to drivers and people on the road, would be difficult.
Besides important industrial signage, metal can be used for marketing materials. If you want people to know how to find your business, put up a sign advertising it! Metal is also used for novelty signage, such as placing jokes about who is allowed to park on your property or supporting your favourite local team. If you have a printing business, look into printing on metal as well as a potential expansion method.
4. Engineering Vehicles
All vehicles consist of metal parts. Different metals are used to make up the body, motor, and even wiring. When we talk about vehicles, we don’t just mean cars and trucks, but other methods of transportation, such as trains and even bicycles, rely on metal.
Not only do manufacturers of vehicles need extensive supplies of metal, businesses that work on repairing vehicles should also have commercial metals on hand to replace missing parts and conduct repairs to damaged bodies after an accident.
5. Other Forms of Manufacturing
Any type of manufacturing relies on metal. Metal is used to make the actual product the factory produces, from car doors to household items such as soup pots. Even in factories where the primary product is not made of metal, metal is needed to maintain the machinery and make it in the first place.
Metal is a material that has widespread commercial usage, and many businesses need a regular supply.
