Catalina Instruments — an experienced machine shop that transforms specs from engineers into requested items — is a long-time preferred vendor for government agencies and contractors, such as Lockheed Martin. As a machine shop, Catalina Instruments use a range of tools and cutting tools to make highly-specialized parts.
We recently sat down with Catalina Instruments business owner Tom Ryan to learn more about how Frank Lowe has helped the business carve out a niche and create a competitive advantage.
Frank Lowe Is a Partner You Can Rely on & Trust
Unlike their competitors, Catalina Instruments prides itself on being a versatile and flexible provider. Their low overhead and nimble business structure allows Catalina Instruments to quickly meet large as well as small orders. In particular, Catalina Instruments is able to fill the small orders of 1, 2, or 3 parts that other providers wouldn't consider.
"While there may be other machine shops that are larger, we are a smaller company with very low overhead. Our nimble structure paired with our special relationship with Frank Lowe means we've been able to carve out a niche in the market that other machine shops will not or can't touch."
In addition to low volume orders, Catalina Instruments relies on Frank Lowe for larger orders and receives the same attention to detail and exceptional customer service.
"And whether we take on an order for one or 1,000, we trust and know Frank Lowe will help us meet our customers' needs. Specifically, I am confident submitting a bid for one or two specialized parts because I know know Frank Lowe will quote us a stellar price for the components. Our relationship is of huge benefit to my company, and I continually enjoy working with them."
Creating a Competitive Advantage
Regardless of your industry, every business looks to create a competitive advantage. And by partnering with Frank Lowe for more than a decade, Catalina Instrument business owner ------ doesn't have to look far.
"By virtue of the fact I get a competitive price at all for something that might otherwise be considered special, my relationship with Frank Lowe is a competitive advantage. It allows me to submit bids for orders that my competition can't.
This is because competing machine shops do not have relationships with vendors who are able to meet smaller quantity orders for parts. They may get the exact quote for the same part, but look at it and see it's an assembly with certain items on it. They may not want to make a call to a source for 10 pieces.
However, I can always contact Frank Lowe — regardless of the size. The sheer fact I have a relationship that I can count on and turn to time and time again for fast solutions (regardless of the size) limits my competition. This gives me an advantage by definition."
Frank Lowe Goes the Extra Mile for Excellence
One of the attributes that makes Frank Lowe unique is our unwavering ability to go the extra mile for excellence. Because there are hardly ever any one-size-fits-all ways of approaching custom manufacturing, we are willing to do whatever it takes to meet your needs and exceed your expectations. And even if you have a special request or need us to source material from a special vendor, your solution is a question away. Catalina Instruments owner explains:
"This is exactly why I enjoy doing business with Frank Lowe. On one hand, they offer a full range of materials, such as sponge, rubber, foam, silicone, etc. Whatever my needs and however I prefer to arrive at a solution, Frank Lowe is accommodating and fast. For instance, if I tell Frank Lowe I need them to go to a certain vendor to purchase the material, they will. It's just that simple. Other vendors would probably tell me to take a hike, but Frank Lowe does whatever is necessary for my satisfaction.
Contact Frank Lowe to Explore, Pursue & Create
Regardless of your industry, Frank Lowe will work to meet your needs and exceed your expectations. We offer an array of custom manufacturing and fabrication services designed to move your project from conception to completion. At Frank Lowe, no order is too large or small — and we will always complete it to your satisfaction.
