From Ferrybridge garage to a £3.8 million fabrication business

C&C Fabrications, a metal fabrication and engineering company based in Ferrybridge, West Yorkshire, is marking its 30th anniversary with plans to invest £1 million in its operations as it targets £5 million in annual turnover.

Founded by Chris Wallage and Chris Butler in 1996 operating from a residential garage with two employees and a turnover of £150,000, the business now employs 32 people and expects to achieve turnover of £3.8 million this year. Its customer base spans over 200 businesses, including major retailers and distributors and its project portfolio ranges from accessibility solutions and street furniture to conversion work at national landmark sites.

Looking ahead to the next five years, C&C Fabrications plans to invest over £1million across new technology and an expanded manufacturing space. A £220,000 investment in Electric CNC Tube Bending and Rolling is already in place, with plans to add tube laser cutting and robotic welding, as well as the future development of the company’s powder coating capabilities. A 3,000 sq. ft extension that will allow more projects to be completed under one roof, improving efficiency and lead times is also planned.

The investment reflects a deliberate response to the skills shortage running through UK manufacturing. With fewer people entering the trade, the firm has moved its training focus towards automation and programming, reducing reliance on manual processes while maintaining its reputation for precision and fast turnaround.

C&C Fabrications has remained loyal to its workforce with many employees progressing through apprenticeships into technical and engineering roles. The company is also looking to expand in the food manufacturing, furniture production and automation sectors to achieve its target of £5million turnover by 2027.

Reflecting on the anniversary, Chris Wallage, managing director said: "Thirty years ago, we were eight 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.”