New Marketplace Seeks to Expand the Custom Manufacturing Industry

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - Oct. 9, 2013 - PRLog -- Every year, a disturbingly large number of machine shops, fabricators, and other custom manufacturers, especially mid- and small-size companies, are closing their doors. A new manufacturing marketplace, MFGfind, has launched on Monday, Oct. 7th, that seeks to bring new business to all custom manufacturers, including the smaller shops that have, until now, not had a marketplace to turn to. The marketplace connects customers with custom manufacturers, such as machinists, 3D printers, welders, and other craftsmen, and it provides them with an all-in-one solution for communicating, signing agreements, making secure electronic payments, and preventing fraud. And the kicker? Membership is free, for both the customers and manufacturers.

  “The other marketplaces in the industry may have great intentions, but in charging the manufacturers exorbitant yearly membership fees and forcing long-term contracts, they're essentially denying a huge amount of shops, especially the smaller players, the ability to join and compete,” says Mr. Blanshey, founder of MFGfind. “Our goal is to create an open, community-driven marketplace where anyone, regardless of size or financial status, can participate. For manufacturers, this means more opportunities to find customers, and for customers, this means more manufacturers to choose from. In helping the U.S. manufacturing industry, we also hope to have a positive impact on the U.S. economy.”

  On the other side of the spectrum, all types of customers are invited to participate, as well, whether they are hobbyists needing custom parts for their projects, or large manufacturers needing prototyping and craftsmanship services.

  When asked how he plans to sustain the marketplace without membership fees, Mr. Blanshey stated that they take a small commission (currently 5%) from customers' payments made to manufacturers using MFGfind's payment services. “With such a model,” says Mr. Blanshey, “we can only grow if our manufacturers grow.”

After a job is completed and paid for, customers and manufacturers leave reviews for each other, enabling others to make better decisions based off their experiences and job statistics.

The marketplace can be found on the web at www.mfgfind.com, and comments and questions can be directed at support@mfgfind.com. Marketplace participation is currently open to all customers globally and all U.S. custom manufacturers.

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