Man and machine as assets at onestopshop for fine sheet metal work

Sheet metal fabrication for thin metal sheets: that has been the core business of Lesage Metal Construction for many years. The family business has evolved over the years into an industrial supplier of mainly the finer, versatile sheet metal work. Even the most complex parts and constructions are easily produced. Behind the baseline "Masters in Metalworks" is therefore a specialist that carries out as much as possible in-house and focuses on a long-term relationship with its customers. An enthusiastic team of qualified employees and up-to-date machinery play an important role. In the last year, investments were made in a new machine tool, a system for laser welding and a CO welding robot.

The history of this metalworking company goes back to the 1930s, when Nestor Lesage started his forge in Otegem. Meanwhile, the fourth generation with Kim Lesage, his sister Lies and her husband Mike Bartholomeus continue the success story since 2021. 

"We don't do this alone, of course. We can count on a team of more than fifty qualified employees who are ready every day to guarantee customers the highest quality in product and service," says Mike Bartholomew. "We have made an extensive study and a multi-year plan to sustain the growth of the company. Our experienced staff is a very important asset in this regard. After all, it is not easy to find technically skilled personnel, but fortunately we have a loyal team, which does not shy away from any challenge."

Investing in machine tool and welding systems

Clients come to Lesage with ideas. In some cases, these are simple models, for which a drawing is available from the customer. Often, however, the product designers get more complex parts and constructions on their plate, for which they then have to develop a realizable solution using advanced 3D drawing packages. Once the customer approves a design, production begins. 

Almost all machining can be done in-house. At Lesage, sheets of steel, aluminum and stainless steel, as well as Corten steel, zinc, red copper or brass are machined in various sizes. The company has an extensive range of high-tech machinery. Furthermore, they master the craft of welding like no other. The skilled employees have mastered everything: robotic, semi-automatic, TIG, MIG, spot, butt and stud welding. The welding robot includes four work stations and has a reach of 12 meters. Investments were made in laser welding in the fall of 2022, and this spring the welding department was reinforced with a CO welding robot. There is also in-house painting. Indeed, on the site there is an industrial powder paint shop, where pieces up to as much as 12 meters can be color coated. If there is anything they do not do themselves, they work with fixed qualitative partners to guarantee customers the best service.

"We are convinced that in addition to personnel, machinery also plays a crucial role if we want to guarantee quality and remain competitive. In recent years we have therefore invested heavily in automated laser cutting and punching machines, an automatic sheet warehouse, two bending robots and semi-automatic welding equipment, among other things. Last year we also took into use a CNC machine from elumatec for profiles up to 6 meters. We also started laser welding, which allows us to obtain a nice welding result for our fine sheet metal work without additional post-processing," Bartholomeus explains. "These investments allow us to further strengthen our market position. In addition, they fit perfectly with our vision of guaranteeing even better service. After all, we aim for customers to have only one contact person for their entire project, which benefits efficiency, delivery reliability and quality."