Why Manufacturing Partners Should Be Involved Before the First Part Is Made
Wilder Industries Highlights How Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Automation (DFA) Help Aerospace Companies Reduce Risk, Improve Quality, and Accelerate Production
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — [August 21, 2026] — As aerospace and defense companies race to develop the next generation of drones, autonomous systems, unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), and advanced air mobility platforms, many are discovering that manufacturing challenges often begin long before production starts.
According to Wilder Industries, one of the most significant opportunities to reduce cost, improve quality, and accelerate production happens during product development—not after a design has already been finalized.
By involving manufacturing experts early in the engineering process through Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Automation (DFA), companies can identify production challenges before they become expensive redesigns, shorten development timelines, and build products that are easier to manufacture at scale.
“Engineering and manufacturing should never operate in separate lanes,” said Will Wilder, Founder and CEO of Wilder Industries. “The best products aren’t just designed to perform—they’re designed to be manufactured efficiently, repeatedly, and at scale. That’s where Design for Manufacturing and Design for Automation create tremendous value.”
As advanced aerospace programs move from prototype to production, even minor design decisions can have significant downstream impacts on manufacturing efficiency. Material selection, part geometry, weld accessibility, machining complexity, assembly sequencing, and automation compatibility all influence production costs, quality, and schedule.
When manufacturers are brought into the conversation early, these factors can be addressed before production begins.
For companies developing drones, autonomous systems, airframe structures, and other complex aerospace platforms, this collaborative approach offers measurable advantages:
- Fewer engineering revisions during production
- Lower manufacturing costs
- Faster transition from prototype to production
- Improved product quality and consistency
- Better compatibility with automated manufacturing systems
- Greater scalability as production volumes increase
“Too often, manufacturers are asked to build a product that was never designed with manufacturing in mind,” Will added. “By collaborating from the earliest stages of development, we help customers simplify production, reduce unnecessary complexity, and prepare their products for long-term success.”
At Wilder Industries, Design for Manufacturing and Design for Automation are integrated into the company’s engineering and production process. Working alongside customers during product development allows Wilder’s team to recommend design improvements that support precision sheet metal fabrication, hard metal machining, robotic assembly, and scalable manufacturing without compromising product performance.
This collaborative model has become increasingly important as the aerospace and defense industries continue adopting automation to meet growing production demands while maintaining the precision and repeatability required for mission-critical applications.
“Manufacturing shouldn’t be viewed as the final step,” Will said. “It should be considered a strategic advantage from day one.”
As demand continues to grow for autonomous aircraft, advanced air mobility platforms, and defense technologies, companies that integrate manufacturing expertise earlier in development will be better positioned to bring innovative products to market faster and more efficiently.
About Wilder Industries
Wilder Industries is an advanced manufacturing company specializing in integrated production solutions for the aerospace and defense industries. Through precision sheet metal fabrication, hard metal machining, robotic assembly, and Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Automation (DFA) expertise, Wilder Industries helps companies developing drones, autonomous systems, UUVs, eVTOL aircraft, and advanced airframe structures transition efficiently from concept to scalable production. By combining engineering collaboration with advanced manufacturing technologies, Wilder Industries serves as a one-stop manufacturing partner for next-generation aerospace innovators.
Media Contact
Ron Castro
Director of Sales and Business Development
Wilder Industries
ron.castro@wilderindustries.com
206 953 9887