Yorkshire steel fabricator C&C Fabrications is marking its 30th anniversary with an investment of more than £1 million in automation and manufacturing capacity.

The Ferrybridge-based precision fabrication and engineering specialist expects to turn over £3.8 million this year and is targeting £5 million by 2027.

The investment will expand the company’s capacity to deliver structural steelwork, bespoke fabrication and fitted solutions for customers across the warehouse, distribution and logistics sectors.

Founded by Chris Wallage and Chris Butler in 1996, C&C Fabrications began in a residential garage with two employees and a turnover of £150,000. It now employs 32 people and serves more than 200 businesses.

Its project portfolio includes structural and fitted fabrication for major distribution and logistics operations, alongside accessibility solutions, street furniture and conversion work at national landmark sites.

A £220,000 investment in electric CNC tube bending and rolling equipment is already in place, with plans to add tube laser cutting and robotic welding. The company is also developing its powder coating capabilities in-house and planning a 3,000 sq ft extension.

The expansion will allow more projects to be completed under one roof, improving efficiency and lead times.

The investment is also intended to help C&C Fabrications respond to the skills shortage across the fabrication supply chain. With fewer people entering the trade, the firm has shifted the focus of its training towards automation and programming, reducing its reliance on manual processes while maintaining precision and fast turnaround times.

Many of the company’s employees have progressed through apprenticeships into technical and engineering roles. C&C Fabrications is also looking to expand within the food manufacturing, furniture production and automation sectors as it works towards its £5 million turnover target.

Reflecting on the anniversary, Chris Wallage, managing director of C&C Fabrications, said: “Thirty years ago, we were two people working out of a garage. We've never taken the easy route and every investment we've made has been deliberate - that's what's got us here alongside our ethos of strong customer service and long-term team building.

“I believe the next five years are going to be more interesting than the last thirty. Technology and AI are moving fast - what we can offer customers in five years will look very different to today. That's what drives the investment.”