TAKE 5 With Fabtech: Leading Trends in 2022 & Exciting New Products

If two heads are better than one, surely four is mind blowing. Recently, Fabtech joined forces with WARN to create a powerhouse partnership that also includes industry leaders Fab Fours and Factor 55. The collective synergy is expected to inspire greater innovation and deliver even better results for consumers. For Fabtech President, Brent Riley, the company’s recent acquisition means access to superior resources that put the company in a position of success. Resources such as consolidated buying power of goods, including plate steel, tubing and fasteners.

“This not only helps us keep our cost down for the consumer, but also ensures a higher level of service and supply now that we are a larger and more important customer,” he said. “Supply is so critical today as shortages are plaguing every industry, creating frustration for consumers. We look to managing our cost and having a steady supply of goods as a big win for Fabtech from this partnership.”

Speaking of its new partnership, Fabtech plans to continue operating alongside its A-team of experienced personnel and proven systems. “We have developed and polished our operation to be very efficient over the past 20 years,” Riley continued. “Often, when a company is acquired, employees are displaced and things are turned upside down – causing huge setbacks. The brand can be diluted, and quality can suffer. Not with our partnership. We are empowered to run the company and grow it with our highly skilled team. Employees are excited to come to work to build the best products in the industry.”

Keep reading to discover what changes are on Fabtech’s horizon, including innovative new products and exciting new trends for 2022 and beyond.

Q: As OEMs continue to evolve their vehicle platforms, what do you see as some of the greatest opportunities and challenges facing the suspension category?

A. When there is a new OE platform, that almost always provides the opportunity to build new products. We view new platforms as a good thing for our business.

Sometimes there can be challenges with the OE build constancy as we design our parts to fit theirs. For example, when they have a loose tolerance it can make a bracket not fit as well. During development, we focus heavily on addressing this in our design to ensure the best fitment as possible.

Another item that challenges Fabtech and other suspension manufacturers is electronic stability control or ESC. We conduct third party ESC FMSVSS126 test compatibility for each vehicle. This is an OE technology that we have embraced in our design process.

Part of the ESC feature is within the ADAS or Advanced Driver Assistance System. This system encompasses many features on the vehicle. SEMA is taking an active role by investing into the understanding of ADAS technology with their new facility in Detroit, MI. It is a state-of-the-art facility that will allow the SEMA team to perform static testing and then dynamic testing like the OEs. The goal is to test, analyze, and establish baselines for ADAS compatibility for the aftermarket. This is a very important project that will aid all of us in designing products for ADAS-equipped vehicles. The ADAS technology is here today and will continue to advance its control of the vehicle for safety and automated driving features in the future.

Q: The Bronco has been front and center. Do you believe its re-entrance into the market will reinvigorate the suspension category in any specific ways?

A. The Bronco has probably been the most anticipated and exciting off-road enthusiast vehicle to come to market in a long time. It has accelerated our business as the consumer is very similar to a Wrangler enthusiast that strives for individuality in their vehicle along with enhanced suspension performance.

Their desire for product may be for just appearance or for those that really want to use their vehicle for off-road. Fabtech has built multiple levels of suspension products for the Bronco to provide enhanced performance while complementing other customization items like a Fab Four bumper or WARN winch.

In addition to suspension, we have developed and built many accessories for the Bronco as we did with the Wrangler. Sales have been excellent on all the Bronco products.

Q: Are there any specific trends coming out of this year’s SEMA Show that are particularly exciting for enthusiasts?

I think there was three trends that were notable and stood out:

The first one, while not for everyone, was the big lift/big wheel full-size trucks. Mega-lifted trucks with air suspension and more bling than any one should own. It’s a market that we are not engaging in for several reasons. Nevertheless, it was there and very dominant.

Next, would be the ever-popular Overlanding. There was a vast array of products and vehicles built for actual off-road use and camping. Fabtech has been involved with this trend for a few years and it looks like it will continue for a while. Overlanding provides an outdoor lifestyle that many consumers enjoy. Plus, they appreciate quality equipment and well-built products like Fabtech, Fab Fours, Factor 55, and WARN.

Another trend is less noticeable but still a core trend of what an on- and off-road vehicle should be when it comes to daily driving and weekend trails. That is: a vehicle built with about 3” suspension lift that increases wheel travel and has high-quality, take-apart shocks. The vehicles usually have a 35” tall tire, and they are ride-tuned for performance driving on- and off-road. Most people would walk right by a vehicle like this that could have a 6000.00 suspension under it due to the almost-stock height. These vehicles are not overbuilt but have a good clean style to them. This type of suspension product and shocks are turning into one of the most popular segments in off-road for Fabtech.

Q: Can you name-drop any new product or new vehicle applications that you’re hyped about heading into 2022?

A. Bronco would be at the top of the list. The platform and the new products we have developed for it are truly exciting. Our suspension systems and our Dirt Logic shocks really enhance the vehicle’s performance and we have received raved reviews on them. We have many other new products scheduled for the Bronco over the next 6 months, as well.

The 2022 Tundra should be good for us, too. There has been great anticipation by Toyota loyalists to see what the new truck will offer. Typically, Toyota enthusiasts use their vehicle not only for recreational activities, but also as a daily commuter. They crave modifications — and we will be right there to supply them.

The F150 Lightning, Hummer EV, and Rivian R1T will be exciting platforms as well for Fabtech to develop new products in the emerging EV market. With the current hybrid platforms available now, Fabtech has been designing products that are specific to the vehicle, addressing increased vehicle weight, location of batteries, exhaust routing, and charging conduit connections.

When it comes to new products, we are taking a holistic approach on all new platforms. This not only includes the offering of suspension and shocks, but also can include accessories that will enhance the usability of the vehicle. This is an exciting time for our industry, as there are so many new technologies that we all must embrace and adapt our businesses to in order to be successful in the future.

As a result of its budding partnership with WARN, Fabtech launched over 20 new products in just six months. There is much more to come in 2022 that will offer top quality, unique products with superior features, and benefits that we believe consumers will embrace. Stay up-to-date at https://fabtechmotorsports.com/