As the global procurement landscape continues to evolve, finding the right supply chain partners is critical to business success. UK-based companies are increasingly choosing to reshore their contract sheet metal fabrication. Universal Wolf examines the business case for partnering with full-service fabrication providers.
Universal Wolf is a leading sheet metal fabricator based in the North-East of England. The company partners with companies across a range of sectors, providing them with complex metal fabrication services.
How does local sourcing reduce risk and lead time compared to overseas suppliers?
In the early-2000s, a mass move towards offshoring drove repeat manufacture to locations such as China. Now, in the wake of the COVID pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and their subsequent supply chain challenges; there is an increasing trend towards reshoring manufacturing capability.
In Autumn 2025, a Santander Trade Barometer report said that 55% of UK businesses reported taking steps to bring their supply chains closer to home. A Capgemini report from March 2025 supports this, with 66% of executives saying they either have a comprehensive re-industrialisation strategy already, or are developing one.
There are a number of benefits to locally sourced metalwork:
- Tighter control over the manufacturing process
Handing over your contract sheet metal fabrication to a third party is an exercise in trust. Complex products need expertise and careful management, and there will always be queries around design and production processes, especially during the onboarding period. Working with a local fabrication partner means these queries can be addressed quickly and in-person, rather than over video calls and, potentially, in different time zones.
- Regular, in-person meetings with your manufacturing partner
As previously highlighted, it’s extremely important that there is mutual trust and understanding between a business and their contract fabrication partner. Reshoring manufacturing means that your regular reviews can be held in-person and involve members of the wider team – for example, fabricators and/or engineers. This helps to develop a strong working relationship with your fabrication team, and any issues can be flagged and addressed quickly before they become a problem.
- Keeping a check on quality
Reshoring manufacturing to the UK makes monitoring and controlling product quality much easier. You are able to review first-off samples and black builds in real time, in person, and provide immediate feedback to the manufacturing team.
When taking a product through a Design for Manufacturing or New Product Introduction process, being able to meet your contract sheet metal fabrication partner and the engineers working on your project allows for faster turnarounds, real-time process oversight and shortened feedback loops, which can be challenging with international supply chains.
- Cost management
Over the last few years, costs for both labour and shipping in traditional offshoring destinations – for example, China – have risen exponentially. When considering the total cost of ownership for UK-based manufacturing, this becomes more competitive – especially when you factor in things like quality control and a closer working relationship with your nominated fabricator.
- Environmental considerations
The environmental impact of supply chains is growing in importance, as ESG principles have an increasing priority in tender considerations, particularly in industries such as Defence and Nuclear. Shorter supply chains can help companies reduce their carbon footprint and improve their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) credentials.
What kind of services do UK-based contract sheet metal fabricators offer?
The UK has a dynamic and skilled manufacturing sector. SMEs are innovating and optimising production methods to deliver the best value for their customers. Let’s take a look at some of the typical services you can get from a UK-based contract sheet metal fabrication partner.
Design support
Offered as part of an overall manufacturing proposal, your sheet metal fabricator can review your design drawings and advise on how to optimise these for repeatable, scaled manufacture.
Metal Profiling
Using fibre laser and punch machinery, metal pieces are cut, drilled and prepared for the next stage of the manufacturing process.
CNC Machining
Using bespoke CNC machining to cut intricate block and sheet metal parts, programmed using CAD/CAM by experienced Engineers. The output of these machines feeds the fabrication and welding teams.
Welding and Fabrication
Welding and fabrication bring together the individual cut and lasered pieces to make a 3D structure, forged under heat with practised skill.
Some key accreditations to look out for with welding and fabrication include:
CSWIP – an industry-led assessment which certifies role-specific knowledge and skill
ISO 3834 – a series of international standards focused on the quality of fusion welding of metals
ISO 9001 – the international standard for a Quality Management System (QMS)
DIN 2303 – a Defence-specific standard, which certifies a company for the welding of products destined for military use
These are some of the most common standards for welding and fabrication companies. Ask about your chosen fabrication partner’s quality standards during your discovery process.
Can a fabricator provide both laser cutting and welding under one roof?
Absolutely. While there are many companies who specialise solely in laser cutting or CNC machining, a full-service sheet metal fabricator like Universal Wolf offers all these things under one roof. Make sure to thoroughly research and review your chosen fabricator’s capabilities before you make your decision.
In conclusion
There are many reasons to consider reshoring your manufacturing closer to home, including:
- tighter control of the manufacturing and quality processes
- developing a closer working relationship with your fabrication partner
- cost considerations are also swinging more favourably to reshoring, when factoring in increases in both labour and shipping
When you’re researching the best contract sheet metal fabrication partner for your products, be sure to bear all these things in mind. You should also spend plenty of time looking into your new fabrication partner’s capabilities and how they fit your product and project requirements.
