# Northern Manufacturing > Northern Manufacturing is a custom stainless steel fabricator based in Oak Harbor, Ohio. The 160,000 sq ft facility includes a 40,000 sq ft production space dedicated to stainless steel only: no carbon steel work in the same room, no shared tooling. Capabilities span flat, tube, and 5-axis laser cutting, manual GTAW, robotic and manual GMAW welding, heavy plate rolling and forming, in-house pickling and passivation in a 55-foot booth, PMI, UT, hydrostatic, and 3D-scan inspection. Founded in 1951. The Northern Manufacturing Company, Inc., 150 N Lake Winds Parkway, Oak Harbor, OH 43449. Founded 1951. Phone (419) 898-2821. Email sales@northernmfg.com. 160,000 sq ft indoor facility with 40,000 sq ft of dedicated stainless-only production space. 60+ AWS-certified welders. Certifications: ASME U Stamp (Certificate #63199, pressure vessels); ASME PP Stamp (Certificate #63198, pressure piping); ISO 9001:2015 (AVU Registrations); 60+ AWS-certified welders; AWS D1.6 Stainless Steel Welding; ASME BPVC Section IX welding qualification; ASNT SNT-TC-1A Level III; CWI on staff; CAGE Code 137T8; SAM UEI QCRQEYAU9E43. ## Main Pages - [Home](https://northernmfg.com/) - [Stainless Steel Fabrication](https://northernmfg.com/stainless-steel-fabrication/) - [Capabilities](https://northernmfg.com/capabilities/) - [Industries](https://northernmfg.com/industries/) - [Case Studies](https://northernmfg.com/case-studies/) - [Blog](https://northernmfg.com/blog/) - [Photo Gallery](https://northernmfg.com/gallery/) - [Resources](https://northernmfg.com/resources/) - [Careers](https://northernmfg.com/careers/) - [Contact](https://northernmfg.com/contact/) - [Request a Quote](https://northernmfg.com/request-a-quote/) - [Site Map](https://northernmfg.com/sitemap/) ## Capabilities - [3D Laser Cutting Services](https://northernmfg.com/capabilities/3d-laser-cutting/): 5-axis 3D laser cutting on a Prima Optimo: 150 x 80 in envelope, 0.005 in accuracy, stainless to 1/2 in. Cut features after welding. Oak Harbor, Ohio. - [Custom Stainless Steel Beam Fabrication](https://northernmfg.com/capabilities/custom-stainless-beams/): Custom stainless steel I-beams laser cut from plate and robotically welded. Tapered profiles, plate girders, AWS D1.6 qualified welds. Oak Harbor, Ohio. - [Custom Stainless Steel Tanks](https://northernmfg.com/capabilities/custom-stainless-steel-tanks/): Custom stainless steel tanks: one-piece rolled shells, 60+ AWS-certified welders, ASME BPVC Section IX qualified welding, ASTM A380 pickling. Oak Harbor, Ohio. - [Laser Welding Services](https://northernmfg.com/capabilities/laser-welding-services/): Autogenous and hybrid laser welding on stainless and carbon steel sheet: low heat input, minimal distortion, full-penetration seams. Oak Harbor, Ohio. - [Mechanical Assembly Services](https://northernmfg.com/capabilities/mechanical-assembly-services/): Mechanical assembly services under one roof: sub-assemblies, shafts and drives, kitting and Kanban programs, ISO 9001:2015 verification. Oak Harbor, Ohio. - [Precision Bending and Forming Services](https://northernmfg.com/capabilities/precision-bending-forming/): Precision CNC bending and forming in stainless: five Trumpf and Ermak press brakes, in-house cylinder rolling, ISO 13920 tolerances. Oak Harbor, Ohio. - [Robotic Welding Services](https://northernmfg.com/capabilities/robotic-welding/): Robotic GMAW welding cells with laser vision seam tracking. Multi-fixture setups make small-batch stainless and carbon work pay. Oak Harbor, Ohio. - [Stainless Steel Bead Blasting Services](https://northernmfg.com/capabilities/stainless-steel-bead-blasting/): Stainless steel bead blasting: uniform, non-directional matte finish on parts and full weldments, no carbon contamination. ASTM A380 pickling under one roof. - [Stainless Steel Laser Cutting Services](https://northernmfg.com/capabilities/stainless-steel-laser-cutting/): Stainless steel laser cutting to 1.25 in plate on a 12 kW Trumpf fiber laser and a 3,200 W CO2 cell. CAD-programmed nests, weld-ready edges. Oak Harbor, Ohio. - [Stainless Steel Pickling and Passivation](https://northernmfg.com/capabilities/pickling-passivation/): ASTM A380 spray pickling, A967 passivation, copper-sulfate on request. 55-foot booth for tanks and frames. Oak Harbor, Ohio. - [Stainless Steel Pipe Fabrication](https://northernmfg.com/capabilities/stainless-pipe-fabrication/): Stainless pipe fabrication under the ASME PP stamp (Cert #63198): Section IX qualified welding, tube laser to 10 in OD, 60+ AWS welders. Oak Harbor, Ohio. - [Stainless Steel Welding Services](https://northernmfg.com/capabilities/welding-services/): Custom stainless welding: 60+ AWS-certified welders, ASME Section IX P8/P10H/P43/P45 qualified. GTAW, GMAW, robotic, K-TIG. Oak Harbor, Ohio. - [Trial Fit and Functional Testing](https://northernmfg.com/capabilities/trial-fit-functional-testing/): Shop trial fit and functional testing: Leica AT960 laser tracker verification against CAD, hydro and leak testing, in-house NDE. Oak Harbor, Ohio. - [Tube Laser Cutting Services](https://northernmfg.com/capabilities/tube-laser-cutting-services/): Tube laser cutting on a Trumpf TruLaser Tube 7000: 0.6 to 10 in diameter, finished parts to 19 ft 8 in from raw tube to 30 ft. Oak Harbor, Ohio. ## Industries - [Architectural Stainless Steel Fabrication](https://northernmfg.com/industries/architectural/): Custom architectural stainless fabrication: facade panels, sculptural features, structural art. Mirror finish, design-assist, AWS welding. Oak Harbor, Ohio. - [Chemical Processing Equipment Fabrication in Corrosion-Resistant Alloys](https://northernmfg.com/industries/chemical-processing/): Chemical processing equipment in duplex 2205, Hastelloy C-276/C-22, and AL-6XN. ASME Section IX qualified welding, PMI verification, in-house pickling. Ohio. - [Food-Grade Stainless Steel Fabrication for Food and Beverage Equipment](https://northernmfg.com/industries/food-beverage/): Stainless fabrication for food and beverage equipment: 304/316L process and non-contact work, GTAW welds, in-house bead blasting, pickling, and passivation. - [High-Temperature Alloy Fabrication for Extreme Service Environments](https://northernmfg.com/industries/high-temperature-alloy/): High-temperature alloy fabrication: 321, 347, 309, 310 stainless, Inconel 625, Hastelloy C-22/C-276. ASME BPVC Section IX qualified GTAW. Oak Harbor, Ohio. - [Sanitary Stainless Steel Fabrication for Hygienic Processing Equipment](https://northernmfg.com/industries/sanitary/): Sanitary stainless fabrication: crevice-free full-penetration GTAW welds, specified Ra finishes, CIP skids, ASTM A380/A967 passivation. Oak Harbor, Ohio. - [Stainless Steel Ductwork Fabrication for Industrial Air Handling](https://northernmfg.com/industries/ductwork/): Industrial stainless ductwork fabrication: scrubbers, stacks, SCR housings, large-diameter duct in 304L, 316L, duplex, and AL-6XN. Oak Harbor, Ohio. - [Stainless Steel Fabrication for Aerospace and Advanced Technology](https://northernmfg.com/industries/aerospace-advanced-technology/): Stainless fabrication for aerospace and advanced tech: rolled cones and transitions for test infrastructure, precision 316L tube weldments, airframe structures. - [Stainless Steel Fabrication for Industrial Ovens, Furnaces and Thermal Processing Equipment](https://northernmfg.com/industries/thermal-processing/): Stainless fabrication for industrial ovens, furnaces, and thermal processing equipment: 304L, 309S, alloy 625. ASME IX qualified GTAW. Oak Harbor, Ohio. - [Stainless Steel Fabrication for Pollution Control Equipment](https://northernmfg.com/industries/pollution-control/): Custom stainless and high-nickel alloy fabrication for pollution control: scrubbers, quench vessels, stack liners, demister housings. Oak Harbor, Ohio. - [Stainless Steel Fabrication for Power, Energy, and Chemical Processing](https://northernmfg.com/industries/power-energy-chemical/): Custom stainless and high-nickel alloy fabrication for power, energy, and chemical processing. 304, 316, duplex, Hastelloy. Oak Harbor, Ohio. - [Stainless Steel Fabrication for Pulp and Paper Mills](https://northernmfg.com/industries/pulp-paper/): Custom stainless fabrication for pulp and paper: duplex 2205/2507, process tanks, chutes, vacuum boxes. Corrosion-resistant mill equipment. Ohio. - [Stainless Steel Fabrication for Water and Wastewater Treatment](https://northernmfg.com/industries/water-wastewater/): Custom stainless fabrication for water and wastewater: 304L, 316L, duplex 2205. Troughs, weirs, clarifiers, dosing skids. Oak Harbor, Ohio. - [Structural Stainless Steel Fabrication for Load-Bearing Applications](https://northernmfg.com/industries/structural/): Structural stainless fabrication to AWS D1.6: beams, pipe racks, platforms, walkways, AESS. CWI-overseen distortion control, stainless-only bay. Oak Harbor, OH. ## Materials - [Fabricating Austenitic Stainless Steel: 304, 316, and Beyond](https://northernmfg.com/stainless-steel-fabrication/austenitic-stainless-steel-304-316-309-321-347/): Northern Manufacturing fabricates austenitic stainless steel grades 304, 316, 309, 321, and 347. ISO 9001 certified custom fabrication. - [Fabricating Duplex Stainless Steel: 2205, 2507, and LDX 2101](https://northernmfg.com/stainless-steel-fabrication/duplex-stainless-steel-2205-2507-ldx-2101/): Duplex stainless fabrication: 2205, 2507, and LDX 2101. ISO 9001 certified, ASME Section IX qualified, ferrite verified on production welds. Oak Harbor, Ohio. - [Fabricating Hastelloy, AL-6XN & Specialty Alloys](https://northernmfg.com/stainless-steel-fabrication/hastelloy-al-6xn-specialty-alloys/): Specialty alloy fabrication including Hastelloy and AL-6XN. ISO 9001 certified, AWS qualified welders at Northern Manufacturing. ## Quality - [Certifications & Compliance](https://northernmfg.com/quality/certifications-compliance/): Northern Manufacturing certifications: ASME U stamp #63199, PP stamp #63198, ISO 9001:2015 (cert #00157-4), AWS D1.1/D1.6 and Section IX welding, CWI on staff. - [Fabrication Inspection & Verification](https://northernmfg.com/quality/fabrication-inspection-verification/): Leica AT960 laser tracking, PMI, FARO projection, and WiKi-Scan weld data: Northern Manufacturing ships audit-ready proof that your parts meet specification. - [Model-Based Quality Planning](https://northernmfg.com/quality/model-based-planning/): Model-based quality planning at Northern Manufacturing: one 3D model drives AI-assisted ITPs, offline robot programs, and CWI-reviewed spec compliance. - [Team Qualifications](https://northernmfg.com/quality/team-qualifications/): Northern Manufacturing's fabrication team: 160+ craftsmen, 60+ AWS-certified welders, ASME BPVC Section IX qualified procedures, and a CWI on staff. ## Case Studies - [A 100-foot stainless trough, straight within 1/8"](https://northernmfg.com/case-studies/water-treatment-tank/): A 100-foot 304L stainless trough held straight within 1/8 inch end-to-end. Previous fabricator couldn't hold tolerance over the span. - [A multi-row WESP in AL-6XN, every collector row straight within 1/8"](https://northernmfg.com/case-studies/wet-electrostatic-precipitator/): A multi-story WESP (wet electrostatic precipitator) in AL-6XN with every collector row held straight within 1/8 inch by controlling weld distortion. - [Fabricating the Sunset Spectacular](https://northernmfg.com/case-studies/orange-barrel-media-obm/): How Northern Manufacturing fabricated the Sunset Spectacular for Orange Barrel Media: a 67-foot, 100-ton stainless steel landmark on the Sunset Strip. - [Large-diameter exhaust duct sections that mated on the first attempt](https://northernmfg.com/case-studies/power-gen-ductwork/): Large-diameter stainless exhaust ductwork that had to mate to existing plant flanges. Zero tolerance for forced alignment on site. - [Process pipe welds, full penetration on every joint](https://northernmfg.com/case-studies/full-penetration-pipe-welds/): Full-penetration butt welds that passed radiography on every joint in a high-chromium austenitic stainless, by cutting the weld bevel on the tube laser. ## Blog - [A Deep Dive into Pickling and Passivation (ASTM A380)](https://northernmfg.com/blog/pickling-passivation/): ASTM A380 sets the standard for stainless steel cleaning and passivation. Learn what the spec requires, common failures, and how to verify compliance. - [A Guide to Hygienic Surface Finishes for Stainless Steel](https://northernmfg.com/blog/a-guide-to-hygienic-surface-finishes-for-stainless-steel/): Avoid costly rework. Learn how to specify precise, verifiable hygienic surface finishes (Ra, Rz) for sanitary applications in food & beverage. Our experts... - [A Guide to Specifying Consistent Architectural Stainless Steel Finishes](https://northernmfg.com/blog/a-guide-to-specifying-consistent-architectural-stainless-steel-finishes/): Avoid costly, mismatched stainless steel finishes. Our guide for architects details a framework for specifying visual consistency using quantitative metrics... - [Beyond the Alloy: A Guide to Preventing Stainless Steel Field Failures](https://northernmfg.com/blog/beyond-the-alloy-a-guide-to-preventing-stainless-steel-field-failures/): Iron contamination causes premature corrosion in stainless steel. Learn how cross-contact during fabrication introduces carbon steel particles and what... - [Beyond the Blueprint: A Guide to Achieving Manufacturing Certainty in Stainless Steel Precision Sheet Metal Fabrication](https://northernmfg.com/blog/beyond-the-blueprint-a-guide-to-achieving-manufacturing-certainty-in-stainless-steel-precision-sheet-metal-fabrication/): What separates precise fabrication from manufacturing certainty? How ISO 9001 systems, CWI oversight, and repeatable processes reduce risk on complex... - [Beyond the Cut: How Advanced Fabrication Preserves the Value and Integrity of Stainless Steel Components](https://northernmfg.com/blog/the-high-cost-of-an-improper-cut/): A technical white paper from Northern Manufacturing on the risks of improper stainless steel cutting. Learn how our advanced fiber laser process prevents... - [Duplex vs. 316L Stainless Steel: A Guide to Strength, Corrosion Resistance, and TCO](https://northernmfg.com/blog/duplex-vs-316l-stainless-steel-a-guide-to-strength-corrosion-resistance-and-tco/): Duplex 2205 offers 2x the yield strength of 316L with better chloride resistance. Compare fabrication costs, weldability, and total cost of ownership. - [Evaluating a Fabricator’s Material Quality & Traceability Program](https://northernmfg.com/blog/evaluating-a-fabricators-material-quality-traceability-program/): Not all ISO 9001 certificates are equal. What to look for in a fabricator's quality program: CWI staffing, NDE procedures, material traceability, and... - [Guide to Procuring Custom Stainless Steel Fabrications](https://northernmfg.com/blog/guide-to-procuring-custom-stainless-steel-fabrications/): Unlock the essential guide for procuring custom stainless steel fabrications and enhance your OEM sourcing strategy today. - [Hastelloy C-276 vs C-22 vs AL-6XN: Choosing a Corrosion Alloy for Chloride and Acid Service](https://northernmfg.com/blog/hastelloy-c276-vs-c22-vs-al-6xn-choosing-a-corrosion-alloy/): C-276 for reducing acids, C-22 for oxidizing-reducing swings, AL-6XN for high-chloride at lower cost. A spec engineer's alloy decision guide. - [Laser Welding Services vs. TIG/MIG for Stainless Steel](https://northernmfg.com/blog/laser-welding-services-vs-tig-mig-for-stainless-steel/): Laser welding controls distortion in stainless steel. AWS-certified welders and ASME IX procedures deliver cleaner welds than TIG or MIG. - [Pickling vs Passivation vs Electropolishing: Choosing the Right Stainless Steel Finish](https://northernmfg.com/blog/pickling-vs-passivation-vs-electropolishing-choosing-a-stainless-finish/): Pickling strips the depleted layer and free iron, passivation restores the chromium oxide (ASTM A967), electropolishing smooths it. How to spec each. - [Precision Edge Finishing: A Standard for Deburring & Edge Rounding](https://northernmfg.com/blog/precision-edge-finishing-deburring/): Move beyond "break all sharp edges." Northern Manufacturing's process-controlled system, featuring our Lissmac finisher, delivers repeatable, spec-ready... - [Selecting a Custom Stainless Steel Fabrication Partner](https://northernmfg.com/blog/selecting-a-custom-stainless-steel-fabrication-partner/): Learn the importance of selecting a custom stainless steel fabrication partner for your OEM needs to ensure product quality and success. - [That 316L Weld Wire You Certified Might Be 308. Here’s Why That Matters.](https://northernmfg.com/blog/that-316l-weld-wire-you-certified-might-be-308-heres-why-that-matters/): During a routine quality check, we performed a Positive Material Identification (PMI) test on a fillet weld for a project specifying Grade 316L stainless... - [The Anatomy of Failure: A Metallurgical Analysis of Corrosion in Welded Stainless Steel](https://northernmfg.com/blog/the-anatomy-of-failure-a-metallurgical-analysis-of-corrosion-in-welded-stainless-steel/): Intergranular corrosion, knife-line attack, and HAZ failures in welded stainless steel. Metallurgical analysis of common weld corrosion modes. - [The Engineer’s Guide to Duplex Stainless Steel Fabrication: From Blueprint to Performance](https://northernmfg.com/blog/the-engineers-guide-to-duplex-stainless-steel-fabrication/): Avoid costly failures in Duplex 2205 & 2507 fabrication. Our expert guide covers WPS qualification, phase balance, corrosion testing, and verifying quality... - [The Fabricator’s Guide to Stainless Steel Finishing: Why Blasting Must Be Followed by Pickling](https://northernmfg.com/blog/the-fabricators-guide-to-stainless-steel-finishing-why-blasting-must-be-followed-by-pickling/): Bead blasting removes scale and contaminants. Pickling restores the chromium oxide layer. When to use each, when to combine both, and what to specify for... - [The Problem with Unrealistic Metal Fabrication Tolerances](https://northernmfg.com/blog/the-problem-with-unrealistic-title-block-tolerances-in-fabrication/): Understand how Unrealistic Tolerances can affect sourcing and production for OEMs in stainless steel fabrication projects. - [The Risk of MTRs: A Guide to Material Traceability & PMI](https://northernmfg.com/blog/the-risk-of-mtrs-a-guide-to-material-traceability-pmi/): Mill Test Reports and Positive Material Identification explained. Why MTR verification and PMI testing matter for stainless steel traceability and code... - [Why Stainless Steel Fabrication Costs More (and Why It Should)](https://northernmfg.com/blog/why-stainless-steel-fabrication-costs-more/): Stainless steel fabrication costs 2-5x more than carbon steel. Material premiums, specialized welding, contamination control, and NDE testing all add cost.... ## Resources - [Custom Stainless Steel Fabrication FAQ](https://northernmfg.com/resources/faq/): Answers to common stainless steel fabrication questions: materials, laser cutting, certified welding, pickling and passivation, run sizes, and quoting. - [Technical Library](https://northernmfg.com/resources/stainless-steel-fabrication-resources/): Technical guides on stainless steel fabrication: certified welding, finishing and passivation, traceability, alloy fabrication, and procurement. - [Tube Laser Cutting Geometry: Copes, Miters, and Edge Bevels](https://northernmfg.com/resources/tube-laser-cutting-geometry/): How a tube laser cuts copes and miters normal to the tube surface, why the default cut leaves a square edge, and how to call out a bevel or weld prep. - [Video Gallery](https://northernmfg.com/resources/video-gallery/): Watch Northern Manufacturing fabrication in motion: 3D laser cutting, tube laser cutting, laser welding, robotic welding with vision, and stainless beams. ## Company & Legal - [A Blast from the Past: The Northern Manufacturing Ice Skeeter](https://northernmfg.com/the-northern-manufacturing-ice-skeeter/): The Ice Skeeter, Northern Manufacturing's 1960s snow machine, was sold nationally through the Sears catalog and survives today as a museum collector's item. - [Accessibility Statement](https://northernmfg.com/accessibility/): Northern Manufacturing is committed to an accessible website. Our WCAG 2.1 AA target, how we test, and how to reach us if you hit a barrier. - [Join Our Welding Training Program](https://northernmfg.com/northern-manufacturing-story/join-our-training-program/): Northern Manufacturing's welding training program in Oak Harbor, Ohio: learn TIG welding on stainless steel with a clear path to AWS certification. - [Our Legacy of Innovation: The Story of the VersaGage](https://northernmfg.com/our-legacy-of-innovation-the-story-of-the-versagage/): How Northern Manufacturing invented the VersaGage in 1990, a handheld digital measuring instrument that Ford called a quantum leap in measuring technology. - [Quality Assurance & Certifications](https://northernmfg.com/quality/): ISO 9001:2015, ASME Section IX welding, 60+ AWS-certified welders, in-house NDE (CWI, ASNT Level III), ASME U and PP stamps #63199/#63198. Oak Harbor, OH. - [The Northern Manufacturing Story](https://northernmfg.com/northern-manufacturing-story/): Founded in 1951, Northern Manufacturing is a 160,000 sq ft custom stainless steel fabrication facility with 60+ AWS certified welders.