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

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.

Blast Baskets for Aero Engine Test Beds

Project: Blast Baskets for Aero Engine Test Beds
Client: Rolls Royce
Location: Derby, East Kilbride, Cardiff

WEC Group has fabricated and installed multiple Test Beds for various organisations such as Rolls Royce (Test Bed 54 and 80), General Electrics based in Wales and BAE Systems in Scotland.
One of our most recent projects is a 17m long x 6.5m diameter blast basket for the worlds largest indoor engine test bed facility at Rolls Royce, Derby.

The testbed will support engines such as Trent XWB and Trent 100 and will also be able to facilitate the UltraFan, which is Rolls Royce’s engine for the next generation of aircraft.

Stainless Steel Machine Enclosures

At WEC Fabrication, we specialise in the welding and fabrication of high-quality stainless steel enclosures for a wide range of industries, including medical, catering, automation, transport, and general engineering. Our team has extensive experience producing enclosures for various applications on production lines including:
– Scanning machine enclosures

– Electrical and control panel housings

– Diagnostic and testing equipment covers

– Food-grade and hygienic enclosures for clinical use

– Weatherproof and vandal-resistant outdoor units

Silence Control Exhaust Stack Fabrication

Sector: Energy
Project: Silence Control Exhaust Stack
Location: Aberdeen

WEC Fabrication successfully completed the manufacture of a high-specification Silence Control Exhaust Stack for a key customer in the energy sector. Designed and fabricated to meet exacting requirements, this complex structure was delivered within a strict 16-week lead time, ensuring it was installed on schedule during a planned site shutdown in Aberdeen. Constructed from a combination of 321-grade perforated stainless steel and carbon steel, the exhaust stack was built to withstand high temperatures and demanding environmental conditions. The structure comprised 10 separate fabrications, each measuring approximately 4.2 metres wide and weighing over 5 tonnes. Once fully assembled, the stack was meticulously insulated with glass fibre to enhance thermal efficiency and noise reduction.

Pressure Vessel Fabrication

Client: Subsea Client
Project: Pressure Vessel Fabrication
Location: Aberdeen, Scotland & Sellafield, England

WEC Fabrication was approached by a client in the subsea industry to manufacture a high-spec decompression chamber built to BSEN5500 Category 1 Vessel standards. The project required one-inch-thick boiler plate construction, 100% x-ray inspection of all welds, and third-party inspection conducted by Lloyds. In parallel, a separate contract in the nuclear sector required the fabrication of a highly specialised fluorine cell. This vessel had strict material specifications, incorporating a combination of boiler plate, stainless steel, Monel, and copper. To comply with PED5500 Category 2 Vessel standards, WEC was required to secure seven new welder qualifications and develop additional welding procedures—each approved by a PED-certified body.

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.

Learn More

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.