Fabrication Projects:

WEC Fabrication specialises in custom fabrication projects, collaborating closely with clients to provide solutions designed specifically for their requirements. Our experienced team brings together expertise, adaptability, and meticulous attention to detail, capable of tackling even the most challenging projects. We are dedicated to delivering a comprehensive service, from the initial concept through to final completion.

Case Studies

DNA Water Feature

Project: Bespoke Stainless Steel DNA Water Feature for Hospital Installation
Material: Mirror-polished 316 stainless steel

m-tec, part of WEC Group, was commissioned to manufacture and install a bespoke stainless steel water feature for a hospital site. Designed to resemble the structure of a DNA helix, the feature was created to provide an attractive focal point for patients, visitors and staff while withstanding year-round outdoor conditions.

The completed structure combines a mirror-polished 316 stainless steel upper section with a brushed stainless steel base, creating a striking contrast that catches the light and enhances the movement of the water.

Combustion Exhaust Lined Duct

WEC Fabrication recently completed the manufacture of a specialist Combustion Exhaust Lined Duct for an aerospace application. The duct forms part of a combustion exhaust system for an aerospace application. It is designed to support the safe and effective movement of exhaust gases through the system.

The project involved the fabrication of 12 individual sections, which together formed an overall duct length of 25 metres. With a diameter of approximately 4.62 metres, the finished structure required careful planning, skilled fabrication and precise coordination throughout the manufacturing process.

Wave Machine

Our WEC Fabrication Division recently completed the welding and fabrication of a large wave machine structure at our Darwen facility. The project required the production of a heavy-duty chamber design to integrate with systems used to generate controlled wave motion for testing and research purposes.

Our team delivered the full fabrication package in house, from preparation and forming through to welding and final assembly.

Multiple flanged connections were incorporated into the design to allow integration with pumping and control systems responsible for generating and regulating wave movement within the system.
All welding was completed by our coded welders, ensuring the finished structure met the required standards for strength, durability, and long-term performance.

Trommel Mixing Drum

The Trommel Mixing Drum was manufactured at our WEC Fabrication’s facility in Darwen using a combination of specialist machinery and highly skilled fabricators.

Our workshop is equipped to handle large and complex fabrications, including:

• Craneage capabilities of up to 40 tonnes
• Advanced robotic welding systems
• High-capacity plate rolling equipment
• Precision cutting and forming machinery

These capabilities allowed our team to fabricate the cylindrical drum sections with accuracy, ensuring alignment and high-quality weld integrity throughout the structure.

Specialist Stainless Steel Ducts

Our Special Projects division was commissioned to manufacture a set of three stainless steel ducts, requiring high quality TIG welding and a fully cleaned finish prior to delivery. The project demanded precision, consistency and close attention to detail to ensure all three units met the same exact standards. The scope included the fabrication and TIG welding of three stainless steel duct assemblies. Given the intended application, a clean finish was essential. All cleaning and finishing processes were therefore carried out in house, allowing full control over quality and consistency. Using high grade stainless steel, our experienced TIG welders produced smooth, uniform welds across all three ducts. Care was taken to maintain dimensional accuracy and repeatability, ensuring each duct matched the required specification. Our Special Projects team worked alongside quality control throughout fabrication to inspect weld integrity and overall finish.

Demineralised Water Pump Skid

The Demineralised Water Pump Skid was designed and manufactured for a valued customer in the nuclear sector to safely supply demineralised water for the decontamination of robotic equipment, with built-in protection to prevent contaminated water from flowing back into the mains supply. Developed in line with an agreed inspection and test plan, the system underwent rigorous quality controls including certified materials, approved procedures, dimensional checks, non-destructive testing, chemical cleaning, and full factory acceptance testing to ensure fitness for purpose.

Fabricated primarily from 304L and 316L stainless steel, the skid was produced using a combination of in-house capabilities and trusted specialist suppliers for machining, electrical works, testing, and cleaning. From accepted inspection plan to completion, the project took just over a year and forms part of an ongoing programme of BEP packages supporting complex nuclear handling and recovery systems.

About WEC Group

With over 1,100 staff and 760,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing floorspace spread across 10 sites Lancashire, Merseyside, Yorkshire, Dorset and the West Midlands, WEC Group is the largest fabrication & engineering company in the UK. WEC Group, with 1,100 employees and 15 companies across various industries such as Aerospace & Defence, Oil & Gas, Nuclear, Mining, and Automotive, is well-equipped to handle any subcontract engineering and metalworking needs.

About WEC Group

History

WEC Group's origin were modest, starting out as a 2 man-operation in Darwen, Lancashire in 1979. Through skills, hard work, engineering excellence, and constant re-investment in the latest technology, we have grown to one of the largest contract manufacturing companies in Europe over the past 45+ years.

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Our Values

At WEC, our core values shape our identity and drive everything we do. We are dedicated to integrity, ensuring ethical and transparent practices across all operations. Excellence is at the heart of our approach, as we consistently strive to exceed client expectations. We foster a positive and collaborative culture that supports continuous learning and innovation. Teamwork is central to our success, enhancing creativity and boosting employee morale. Above all, safety remains a top priority, maintaining a secure and efficient workplace for all staff. These principles underpin the commitment of our apprentices, skilled workforce, and management throughout every stage of fabrication and engineering projects.

Why WEC?

We provide a comprehensive in-house manufacturing service, covering every stage from initial concept and design through to precision fabrication and expert installation. Our specialist team of skilled professionals is dedicated to delivering high-quality, bespoke metalwork solutions that meet exact client specifications.

What are the main fabrication techniques used in the industry?

Welding is one of the most important fabrication techniques in the industry, used to join metals by applying heat and, in many cases, filler material to create strong, durable joints. Common welding methods include MIG (Metal Inert Gas), TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas), stick/arc welding, and submerged arc welding, each suited to different materials and project requirements. Other fabrication techniques, such as CNC machining, laser profiling, water jet cutting, and shot blasting, are often used alongside welding to shape, cut, and prepare metal components before or after joining, ensuring precision and high-quality finishes.

How do I choose the right fabrication company for my project?

Experience and Specialisation: Look for a company with a proven track record in your industry, such as aerospace, rail, or automotive.
Certifications: Ensure they hold relevant certifications like ISO 9001:2015 and are RISQS approved.
Capabilities: Check if they offer comprehensive services from design to installation, including welding, CNC machining, and laser profiling.
Quality Assurance: Confirm they adhere to industry standards and conduct thorough quality checks.

WEC Group, with over 45 years of experience, offers all these attributes, providing expert fabrication services across various sectors.

What materials can be used in metal fabrication?

Mild Steel: Versatile and cost-effective for general fabrication.
Stainless Steel (304/316/2205): Ideal for corrosion-resistant applications.
Corten Steel: Used for weathered, aesthetic finishes.
Titanium and Monel: Suitable for high-strength, high-temperature environments.
Copper and Nickel: Chosen for their conductivity and corrosion resistance.
Invar: Preferred for applications requiring minimal thermal expansion.
Duplex Stainless Steel (2205): Combines high strength with excellent corrosion resistance.

WEC Group has expertise in working with all these materials, ensuring precision and quality in every project.

What is coded welding, and why is it important?

Coded welding refers to welders who have been certified to specific standards, such as those assessed by bodies like Lloyd’s Register, BSI, or Royal Sun. This certification ensures that welds meet stringent quality and safety requirements.

WEC Group employs coded welders skilled in various techniques, including MIG, TIG, MMA, and submerged arc welding, to deliver high-quality, compliant welds for all projects.

Can WEC handle both bespoke and batch fabrication projects?

Yes, WEC Group is equipped to manage both bespoke, one-off projects and large-scale batch productions. Whether it’s a custom stainless steel fabrication, a batch of fabricated brackets, or a 100ft bridge, our team ensures each project is completed with precision and efficiency, meeting all client specifications and industry standards. We never shy away from complex work, our highly skilled team are equipped to deal with the most complicated projects, tailored to suit your every need.

WEC Fabrication has extensive expertise in delivering large-scale and heavy engineering projects, regularly manufacturing a diverse range of structures, pressure vessels, and bespoke stainless steel fabrications. Serving industries such as Offshore, Oil & Gas, Nuclear, Chemical, and Food Processing, we combine advanced CNC machining services, coded welding, and precision fabrication techniques to ensure the highest standards of quality and durability.