When manufacturers search for metal fabrication in Birmingham, they are rarely looking for a commodity supplier. They are looking for a metal fabrication company that understands complex engineering challenges, heavy-duty applications, and the consequences of getting it wrong.
With roots dating back to 1887, GWH brings over a century of engineering heritage to modern custom metal fabrication, supporting demanding sectors including glass manufacturing, automation, aerospace, automotive, defence, and specialist machinery.
What Does “Custom Metal Fabrication” Really Mean?
Many suppliers describe themselves as offering custom metal fabrication, but few deliver true engineering-led solutions.
At GWH, custom metal fabrication means:
- Designing and building structural metal fabrications to exact operational requirements
- Handling large-scale, heavy-gauge fabrications up to 13 metres long and 7.5 tonnes
- Engineering for strength, longevity, accuracy, and safety, not just appearance
GWH does not focus on light sheet metal or small batch components. Instead, the business specialises in robust, load-bearing fabrications where precision, weld integrity, and dimensional accuracy are critical.
Why Birmingham Is a Hub for Precision Fabrication
Birmingham’s industrial heritage makes it one of the UK’s most important centres for metal fabrication. However, proximity alone is not enough. Manufacturers increasingly require partners who can design, fabricate, machine, inspect, and assemble under one roof.
As a Midlands-based metal fabrication company, GWH offers:
- Integrated fabrication and machining capability
- MIG, TIG, and ARC welding for structural applications
- Fabrication in mild steel, stainless steel, and specialist alloys
- In-house inspection supported by CMM measurement
This vertical integration reduces risk, lead time, and rework; a major reason OEMs and machine builders continue to partner with GWH.
Leadership in Structural Metal Fabrication
Structural metal fabrication is not about volume, it is about responsibility. Failure can mean downtime, safety incidents, or catastrophic equipment damage.
GWH approaches every structural fabrication project as an engineering challenge, asking:
What loads will this structure experience?
How will heat, vibration, and fatigue affect performance?
How can tolerances be maintained after welding?
By addressing these questions early, GWH delivers fabrications that perform reliably in harsh and demanding environments.
Why Clients Choose GWH as Their Metal Fabrication Company
Decision-makers do not choose GWH because it is the cheapest option. They choose GWH because it consistently delivers any two of the three that matter most: quality, speed, and reliability, and often all three.
Clients value GWH for:
- Honest engineering advice
- High-quality fabrication delivered on time
- Flexibility for bespoke and evolving requirements
This leadership-driven approach has built long-term relationships across multiple industries.
Is GWH Right for Your Fabrication Project?
If you are seeking:
- Light sheet metal
- High-volume, low-cost parts
- Price-driven subcontract overflow
GWH may not be the right fit.
However, if you need custom metal fabrication in Birmingham that prioritises engineering excellence, structural integrity, and long-term performance, Glassworks Hounsell is a proven partner.
Speak to GWH today to discuss your next structural or custom metal fabrication project.