Rush Orders in Oil and Gas: Fast Without Compromising Quality

In the oil and gas industry, time often translates directly into money. Whether a project is stalled due to missing components or a facility is racing to go online before a critical deadline, the need for rapid fabrication and delivery is not uncommon. Rush orders in oil and gas are more than just a matter of speed. They represent a test of an organization’s ability to coordinate across departments, prioritize workflow, and meet rigorous quality standards under pressure.

At Smith Industries, we understand the stakes involved in every accelerated project. Our integrated approach to fabrication, combined with in-house capabilities and certified processes, allows us to meet the industry’s urgent demands while still delivering safe, compliant, and high-performing equipment.

Why Rush Orders Happen in Oil and Gas

Rush orders arise in oil and gas for a variety of reasons. Common drivers include:

• Unplanned Equipment Failures: When a critical component such as a heater treater or vapor recovery tower fails, replacement or repair must happen quickly to avoid operational downtime.

• Compressed Construction Schedules: EPC contractors may face scheduling shifts due to labor shortages, permitting delays, or customer pressures, creating a domino effect that tightens delivery windows.

• Exploration and Drilling Opportunities: A sudden opening in a lease or favorable drilling condition may prompt a fast-tracked setup for surface production equipment.

• Supply Chain Interruptions: Delays from offshore suppliers or international vendors can lead project owners to pivot toward domestic manufacturers who can move quickly.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), domestic production timelines are becoming increasingly dynamic, especially in shale plays like the Permian Basin. In these fast-moving environments, companies must be ready to mobilize quickly and maintain flexibility.

The Risks of Rushing Without a Process

Responding to rush orders without a structured process can lead to significant risks. Quality issues, safety concerns, and non-compliance with industry standards such as ASME, API, or NBIC can jeopardize both project outcomes and organizational reputation.

Fabrication shortcuts or poorly coordinated logistics may result in:

• Improper welding procedures

• Missed inspection points

• Incomplete documentation

• Delays in permitting and startup due to non-code-compliant equipment

This is why many operators are selective about who they trust with accelerated timelines. The ability to move quickly must be matched by a proven track record of consistent, code-compliant delivery.

How Smith Industries Approaches Rush Orders in Oil and Gas

Smith Industries has earned a reputation for being both fast and reliable. We believe that every rush order is a performance test. Through dedicated processes, experienced personnel, and full-scope in-house capabilities, we have developed a system that supports rapid response without sacrificing product integrity.

1. In-House Fabrication Facilities

Smith Industries operates fully integrated fabrication shops for storage tanks, pressure vessels, heater treaters, free water knockouts, and custom utility structures. By manufacturing in-house, we eliminate the delays and variability that come from third-party vendors or offshore suppliers.

Our capabilities include:

• ASME “U” Stamp for pressure vessels

• National Board “R” and “NB” Stamps for repair and alteration

• API 12F and 12D fabrication for oilfield storage

• Blasting, painting, and coating services on-site

• In-house transportation fleet for delivery

These assets allow us to immediately start on urgent orders and manage them from start to finish within our facilities.

2. Certified Workforce and Shift Flexibility

When a rush project hits our queue, our certified welders, technicians, and inspectors are ready to respond. Smith Industries maintains a workforce that is not only skilled but cross-trained across various departments. This allows us to adjust workloads and add second or weekend shifts as needed.

We also perform ongoing in-house training to maintain qualification on procedures aligned with ASME, API, and customer-specific requirements. This minimizes downtime caused by unfamiliarity or retraining when switching between product types or client specs.

3. Dedicated Quality Control from Day One

Fast timelines do not excuse errors. From the start of a rush order, our Quality Control (QC) department is involved in project planning. This allows us to identify any critical weld procedures, test points, or inspection requirements before cutting begins.

All materials are tracked via our non-conformance reporting system, and every product must pass required checks by our Certified Welding Inspectors (CWIs). Smith Industries is audited regularly under the ASME and API programs, giving customers peace of mind that quality is built into the process, not treated as an afterthought.

The National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors outlines the importance of certified inspections and proper tracking of alterations and repairs. We follow their guidance closely, particularly for repair work under our “R” stamp program.

4. Strategic Scheduling and Workflow Adjustments

When a rush order is received, our project management team immediately analyzes our current production schedule and workload capacity. We use dedicated project leads to break large projects into smaller, parallel tasks where possible. This lean approach to fabrication allows us to maintain throughput even under compressed timelines.

We also assign internal priority codes that trigger automatic escalation to our leadership team, procurement staff, and fabrication managers, so that material acquisition and manpower planning can happen in real-time.

5. Proactive Communication with Clients

Rush orders depend on clear communication between all parties. Our team provides regular status updates, communicates quickly about required design clarifications, and shares inspection reports or data packages as they become available. This proactive approach keeps clients informed and reduces the chance of surprises at delivery.

Smith also supports early coordination with client field teams to discuss equipment offloading, setup, and startup needs to accelerate site readiness once the delivery lands.

A Trusted Partner for Critical Schedules

Smith Industries is more than a manufacturer. We are a project partner who understands the realities of oilfield timelines. When you need equipment fabricated fast and right the first time, we are ready to respond with proven processes, reliable quality, and a team that treats every rush order with urgency.

If your next project has no room for delay, let’s talk. We’re ready to get started.