When it comes to steel fabrication, the steel manufacturers of Britain are the best in the world. However complicated a project, whatever the specification, regardless of size, British steel manufacturers are always up to the job!
In this piece, we take a look at what makes steel manufacturing in Britain so well respected the world over.
1. Quality first
Not all steelwork is of high quality. Imports from countries with less onerous safety requirements often lead to poor quality steelwork arriving on the shores of the UK. Most steel manufacturers in the UK will hold one form of quality accreditation or another. Some hold more than one. The two most recognised accreditations are:
- BS ISO 9001. One of the best known Quality Management Systems (QMS) around the world, it enables companies to continually monitor and manage quality across their entire operation. Every company holding ISO certification is reviewed annually by an independent auditor to ensure that all of their processes follow the quality control procedures set down in their QMS. Customers looking for steel manufacturers will often require the company they choose hold this certification.
- CE Marking. Under the Construction Products Regulations (CPR), which were adopted in the UK to enforce the European Construction Products Directive (CPD), companies involved in the manufacture of products for use in the construction industry are required to have CE Marking approval. This Directive applies to all products made in, or imported into, the EU and requires the manufacturer to adhere to high safety and environmental standards. Steel manufacturers need to show that their products are robust, stable and safe. The requirements on the steel manufacturers to attain this accreditation are very demanding and it can take up to 12 months to gain CE Marking approval. Customers therefore can be safe in the knowledge that if they choose a steel manufacturing company who holds this accreditation, it will produce only the highest quality steelwork.
2. Complete service under one roof
Steel manufacturers in today’s market have to be able to offer a full service. That means that they are able to take customers’ designs and turn them into the finished product, by carrying out all processes at their own facility, to ensure quality continuity.
In steel manufacturing, highly skilled engineers will have experience in one or more of the fabrication processes. Using state-of-the-art machinery which is computer controlled, they are able to carry out a number of processes, although some of the processes are still carried out without the use of technology. Depending on the product, there are a number of processes that can be carried out. These include:
- Material processing
- Profiling
- Cutting
- Chamfering
- Bending
- Rolling
- Machining
- Boring
- Milling
- Drilling
- Sawing
- Welding
- Assembly
Once the product has been fabricated and assembled, the finishing department takes over and will carry out the following processes, again depending on the customers’ requirements. These include:
- Washing
- Drying
- Shot blasting
- Spraying / painting
3. Giving the customer what they want
Providing great customer service is what British steel manufacturers do well. If you require your products on a tight deadline, you can guarantee that the steel manufacturing company you have chosen will do everything in their power to ensure that your product is delivered to the required destination on time.
It doesn’t matter the size or order, small or large batch items, bespoke products or a large production run, you will get the same level of service whether you have ordered one item or hundreds.
4. Skilled engineers
Excellence in the field of manufacturing and engineering is what Britain is known for. Engineers who carry out processes such as welding will have a wealth of experience and hold qualifications in their chosen field. Your products will be made by people who know exactly how to produce top quality steelwork, however complex the specification.
If you would like to find out more about Lycett Fabrications and the services we offer, please browse our website.