How a Custom Forming Die Transformed a Fishing Lure Business

A Game-Changing Metal Fabrication Solution for Precision and Efficiency

Mike, a dedicated angler and small business owner, had been searching for a reliable way to improve the manufacturing process of his fishing lures. After struggling to find a company willing to work with small orders, he found D&B Fabrication, which turned out to be the perfect partner for his needs.

The Need for a Custom Forming Die

Mike was looking for a solution that could streamline his production process. He had been cutting and forming his fishing lures manually, which was time-consuming and inconsistent. The forming die provided by D&B Fabrication helped him create perfectly shaped lures every time.

The Early Struggles of Manual Production

Mike initially created his lures by hand, painstakingly cutting each blank and forming them with a hammer. “I originally made the master myself. I hand-cut the whole thing. My buddy, a tool and die maker, created a CAD file and cut them out on a wire EDM machine. He made me 144 of them, which at the time was amazing because I was hand-cutting everything.”

While this process worked, it was slow and exhausting. As demand for his lures grew, Mike needed a better way to scale his production. “I was making them quite a bit, but I wasn’t really selling them—it was more of a hobby. Eventually, I found a new process for painting them, and I started burning through my blanks quickly. That’s when I hit up my friend again, but unfortunately, he wasn’t able to help me anymore.”

Finding the Right Fabrication Partner

After searching for fabrication companies, Mike encountered numerous roadblocks. “I started emailing companies like yours, but they would lose interest when I told them I only needed a few hundred dollars’ worth of blanks. Then I came across your website, and the line ‘No job is too small’ stood out to me. That’s when I sent an email.”

Bryon from D&B Fabrication responded enthusiastically. “How many do you need?” he asked. Mike expected the usual rejection due to his small order, but Bryon reassured him. “That’s fine. Minimum orders are $250—no problem at all.”

Perfecting the Production Process

Once D&B Fabrication took on the project, they worked closely with Mike to perfect the blanks. “At first, I manually punched holes in them, which was tedious. Bryon was able to cut the blanks perfectly and punch the holes precisely. That step alone sped up my process significantly.”

However, hammering each blank into the correct shape was still a challenge. “I was using a small hammer from my wife’s toolkit to get the right bend. It worked, but doing 100 of them was exhausting. That’s when I hit Bryon up about creating a forming die.”

The Power of the Custom Forming Die

Bryon and the team at D&B Fabrication tackled the challenge head-on. “We created this on our CNC, taking a big chunk of metal and machining all the contours. We had never done anything like this before, so it was a great learning experience for us too.”

Mike immediately saw the benefits of the custom forming die. “Before, it took me about 7 to 10 minutes to hammer each blank. Now, I can form 20 of them in about seven minutes, effortlessly. It’s been a complete game-changer.”

The Impact on Business Growth

With the efficiency of the forming die, Mike was able to expand his product line and increase production. “The new process eliminated inconsistencies. Now, all my lures have the perfect shape and wobble, which is critical for their performance. I recently caught 200 fish using the new blanks, and I knew I was onto something.”

D&B Fabrication’s ability to work with smaller clients helped Mike take his business to the next level. “Most fabrication companies only take big orders, but you guys were different. You took on the challenge, and now I’m looking to expand my lure sizes and shapes. Fishermen are picky, and they want specific colors and sizes. With your help, I can meet those demands.”

The Advantages of Custom Fabrication for Small Businesses

Small businesses often struggle to find manufacturers willing to work with them on smaller orders. Many large fabrication companies focus only on bulk production, leaving small entrepreneurs without the resources they need to grow. D&B Fabrication, however, specializes in working with businesses of all sizes. Their flexibility and willingness to innovate made them an ideal partner for Mike’s growing business.

Custom fabrication offers many benefits, from improved precision to enhanced efficiency. Businesses like Mike’s can produce high-quality products at scale, reducing costs while maintaining consistency. With the right fabrication partner, even small businesses can achieve professional-level production quality.

Expanding the Product Line with New Designs

With the success of his initial product, Mike is eager to continue refining his designs. “I want to experiment with different sizes and colors to meet customer demands. Some people want smaller lures, while others prefer larger ones. Being able to customize my products with precision is a huge advantage.”

D&B Fabrication has been instrumental in this process. “I’m already planning to have them create a new forming die for my next design. Knowing I have a reliable partner makes all the difference.”

Looking Toward the Future with D&B Fabrication Plus, Inc.

As Mike’s business continues to expand, he envisions an even stronger partnership with D&B Fabrication. “I’ll need another forming die soon for a different design. I know you guys can pull it off,” he says with confidence. His trust in D&B Fabrication stems from their ability to deliver high-quality, precision-engineered solutions that meet his specific needs. With every challenge they tackle together, Mike’s business gains efficiency, and D&B Fabrication further refines its expertise.

D&B Fabrication takes immense pride in supporting small businesses by providing innovative, tailored solutions. “We appreciate your business and look forward to working on your future projects. Challenges like this help us grow, too,” says a representative from D&B Fabrication. Their commitment goes beyond just manufacturing—it’s about fostering relationships, understanding unique requirements, and ensuring that every custom solution exceeds expectations.

For businesses seeking custom fabrication solutions—whether for a small, specialized component or a large-scale production need—D&B Fabrication continues to prove that innovation, collaboration, and attention to detail make all the difference. From prototyping to final production, their team works closely with clients to turn ideas into reality, ensuring each project is completed with the highest level of craftsmanship.

If you have a project that demands precision, expertise, and a dedicated team that values quality in Riveside, CA, don’t hesitate to contact D&B Fabrication. With a reputation for excellence and a passion for problem-solving, they are ready to help bring your vision to life. No matter the complexity of the challenge, D&B Fabrication stands ready to deliver solutions that drive success.