Top Tips for Working with Contractors in the Engineering Industry

With a wealth of experience in the automation industry, we have completed a diverse range of successful projects. Our portfolio at Hale Engineering includes managing E&I for the relocation of an incinerator plant over an 18-month period, overhauling a partly automated cruise boat passenger access gangway, delivering a complete turn-key system to control a recycled glass processing plant, and designing environment control systems for spray and baking booths.

Additionally, we have supplied and installed CO monitoring systems in compliance with the UK’s Environment Agency. Based on our extensive experience in the engineering industry, we believe that working with reliable and capable industrial engineering contractors is key to the success of any business. Read on for our top tips on how to work with contractors effectively.

With more than 20 years of experience in the engineering industry, working on projects of all sizes, I have come to realise the importance of finding and working with trustworthy and capable contractors. The success of any business, regardless of its size, depends heavily on its employees and contractors, and it is essential to keep them satisfied for long-term success. When working with contractors, the most crucial factor is to ensure that they remain engaged and dedicated to delivering high-quality work that satisfies clients.

Whether you are in the early stages of project planning or already managing a large-scale build, the ability to collaborate with skilled professionals makes a measurable difference. Contractors often bring specialised knowledge and tools that complement your internal team’s capabilities.

Here are my top four tips for working with contractors:

Understand the strengths and weaknesses of each contractor. Over time, you will learn which industrial engineering & contractors are best suited for which tasks.
Be clear about the work that needs to be done and the timeline in which it needs to be completed. Contractors may be inclined to stretch out the work as much as possible, but as long as the work is completed within the agreed-upon timeframe and meets the required standards of quality, then as a manager, your job is done.
Provide your contractors with the necessary support, especially when it comes to technical issues. Unsupported contractors may become frustrated when issues arise, and they are caught in the middle between you and the end-user.
Clearly communicate the expected rates, especially for work performed on weekends or outside of regular business hours. The costs for intensive works can quickly spiral out of control if left unchecked. Setting a fixed rate for the work is a good practice, but it may not always be possible.

When working with industrial engineering contractors, don’t underestimate the importance of thorough onboarding. Ensuring that every contractor understands your company’s expectations, safety standards and reporting procedures can save valuable time and reduce miscommunication. Regular check-ins and performance reviews can also help keep work on track and aligned with your goals.

Establishing strong relationships with your contractors also helps build trust, which can improve responsiveness during time-sensitive or high-risk tasks. Open lines of communication and mutual respect go a long way, especially in environments where health and safety are paramount. Contractors who feel valued are more likely to go the extra mile, collaborate closely with your in-house team and maintain high standards throughout the project lifecycle.

In summary, working with contractors requires effective communication, clear expectations, and support when needed. By following these tips, you can maintain a strong and productive relationship with your contractors and ensure the successful completion of your projects.

A well-managed team of contractors can contribute not only to project efficiency but also to innovation and long-term value.

At Hale Engineering, we’ve seen firsthand how these practices lead to successful outcomes. As the demand for specialist services continues to grow, the role of experienced industrial engineers & contractors becomes more essential than ever.