Choosing the right fit for your steel structure needs is not as simple as who’s the cheapest or even who’s the fastest. If you’ve been in construction long enough, you know that picking the wrong partner can blow up a schedule, bury you in RFIs, and make your client start questioning everyone.
We’ve worked with enough general contractors across Western Canada to know what actually matters on-site, in RFQs, and calls when the client is asking hard questions. So here’s what we think you should look for in a steel manufacturer:
1. Local roots + regional reach
If you’re hiring a Steel Structure Contractor, make sure they can deliver in your location and your climate. That matters, because:
- They would know the regional codes, authorities, and permit processes.
- The logistics Should be set up for your area—no guesswork.
- You get fast responses and boots on the ground if anything shifts mid-project.
2. Safety isn’t optional
It’s not just a box to be checked, it’s a culture to live by. From fab shop to installation crews, safety should be built into every part of the workflow.
If you’re bidding on government or large private projects, COR is often a requirement. Don’t let your steel partner become your weakest safety link.
Pre-job hazard assessments must be conducted.
Safety metrics must be tracked and reported transparently.
3. ISO isn’t just a buzzword
Anyone can say they care about quality. Does your Steel Structure Contractor have ISO certification or are they working on it?
Why does that matter?
- You get traceability on every piece of material.
- The processes are standardized, which means less rework.
- Compliance can be documented for your clients and consultants.
- When issues arise (and they will), ISO systems mean they get caught early and solved fast.
4. Integrated services = fewer delays
Value-added processes can shave weeks off your schedule and reduce your vendor coordination headache. Some services to consider:
- Laser cutting: High-speed 2D and 3D tube cutting for complex components.
- Sandblasting, priming, and painting, done in-house, to your specifications.
Having these means fewer scope gaps and more streamlined project management.
5. Installation: Covered.
Does the Steel Structure Contractor work with installation crews in your region or have in-house installers available? That gives you:
- Flexibility
- Reliability
- Accountability
6. Project management makes or breaks everything
This is the part most steel companies don’t talk enough about, but it’s often where things fall apart.
They should:
- Communicate early and often.
- Know how to handle shifting schedules.
- Get ahead of long-lead items and dependencies.
7. Speed, yes. But not at the expense of precision.
Tolerances must be tight, and quality checks must be constant. One mis-cut tube or warped connection plate can stall an entire week of your installation schedule. That’s why precision matters.
Final thoughts
If you’re a GC looking for a Steel Structure Contractor, ask hard questions; tour the shop; call their past clients; and make sure they understand the realities of building in Western Canada.
Why we think you should choose Solico Metal
We’re proudly based in Calgary, but our reach spans Western Canada.
From Alberta to BC, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, we’re no strangers to cross-provincial projects. We’re currently fabricating for the Royal BC Museum—an iconic build with no room for error. Our track record includes projects across Saskatchewan and Manitoba, proving we’re built for scale and precision.
Certified, safety-first, and quality-driven.
Solico is COR-certified, with safety embedded in every stage of our process. We’re also on the path to ISO 9001 certification because we know quality control isn’t optional.
In-house capabilities that save you time and headaches.
- Laser Cutting – High-speed 2D and 3D tube cutting for complex components.
- Sandblasting, Priming & Painting – All done in-house, to your spec, under one roof.
Installers who know the terrain.
Whether you need full supply-and-install or boots on the ground to coordinate with your own team, we’ve got experienced installers available across Alberta, BC, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.
Project management that actually manages.
You’ll always have a clear point of contact. You’ll know what’s happening with your materials, when deliveries are arriving, and who to call if anything changes. No black holes. No guesswork.
Let’s talk.
If you’re ready to map out timelines, dive into connection details, or just want a tour of the shop, we’d love to connect.
