Fabrication Division

What Is Fabrication in a Lifting & Material Handling Context?

Fabrication refers to the process of creating or assembling lifting equipment and associated steelwork from raw materials such as steel, aluminium and stainless steel. In practical terms, this means turning lengths of steel and plate into cranes, lifting beams, gantry systems, monorails, access platforms and support structures that are ready to work safely on your site.

The fabrication process typically involves:

• Cutting steel sections and plate to precise lengths and shapes using saws, plasma or laser cutting.
• Shaping and bending components to achieve the required profiles and clearances.
• Drilling and machining connection points, bolt holes and interfaces with existing structures.
• Welding structural components together in accordance with qualified procedures.
• Surface preparation and finishing such as shot blasting, priming and painting or galvanising.
• Assembly of complete items – for example, a lifting beam with end plates, pad eyes and lifting points fitted.

For lifting equipment, fabrication also means integrating custom parts and components such as end carriages, trolleys, gears, pulleys and interface plates for hoists and lifting accessories. This requires specialist knowledge in engineering, design and manufacturing, as well as strict adherence to relevant standards and regulations.

Fabrication vs Manufacturing – What Is the Difference?

The terms “fabrication” and “manufacturing” are often used together, but they describe slightly different approaches.

In summary, manufacturing is usually associated with repeatable, high-volume production, while fabrication is focused on project-based, customised solutions. Our fabrication division sits squarely in the latter category – we build what your site needs, not just what happens to be on the shelf.

Types of Fabrication We Provide

Within our fabrication division, we work across a range of fabrication disciplines that support lifting, material handling and safe access solutions.

1. Steel Fabrication

Steel fabrication is at the core of what we do. It involves cutting, shaping and assembling steel components to create robust structures and equipment such as:

• Overhead cranes, monorails and runway beams.
• Lifting and spreader beams for specific loads and lifting points.
• A-frame gantry cranes for workshops and temporary lifting locations.
• Jib crane columns and arms, including under-braced and over-braced designs.
• Support steelwork for hoists, winches and line equipment.

The process starts with accurate cutting of steel sections and plate to size, followed by bending, drilling and welding to produce the required assemblies. The final product is a strong, durable structure designed to withstand demanding environments and repetitive lifting operations.

2. Sheet Metal Fabrication

Sheet metal fabrication covers the cutting, bending and shaping of thinner metal sheets, often used for:

• Protective covers and guards for moving parts.
• Lightweight access platforms and steps.
• Storage bins, trays and enclosures associated with lifting systems.
• Cladding and infill panels for structural steelwork.

3. Welding Fabrication

Welding is a critical part of almost every lifting project. Our team carries out MIG, TIG and arc welding operations in line with qualified welding procedures and applicable standards. Welding fabrication is used to:

• Join structural beams, columns and stiffeners.
• Attach pad eyes, lifting lugs and connection plates.
• Build frames, cages and platforms.
• Repair or modify existing lifting steelwork safely and correctly.

4. Pipe & Structural Fabrication

Although our primary focus is lifting and material handling equipment, many projects require associated piping or structural supports. Pipe and structural fabrication can involve:

• Supports and hangers for services underneath runway beams or platforms.
• Handrails, guardrails and safety barriers integrated with access platforms.
• Supporting frames for control panels and power supplies to cranes and hoists.

5. Aluminium & Stainless Steel Fabrication

In environments where cleanliness, corrosion resistance or weight reduction are critical, we fabricate in aluminium and stainless steel. Typical applications include:

• Stainless steel lifting beams and components for cleanroom and pharmaceutical applications.
• Access platforms and cages for food industry and wash-down areas.
• Lightweight aluminium structures where reduced dead weight is beneficial.

Prolift Fabrication Capabilities & Product Range

Prolift specialise in steel fabrication and operate as an EN 1090 accredited company, certificate number 2273-CPR-0408. All items we fabricate are CE marked in accordance with EN 1090-2 to Execution Class 2. In practice, this means you receive fully traceable, documented steelwork that meets the required structural and safety standards.

We offer a complete, turnkey solution – manufacturing and installing equipment such as spreader beams, full gantry crane steelwork, monorails, swing jibs and underslung monorail systems. Where required, we can supply design calculations, drawings, test certificates and material traceability to complete your project file or validation pack.

Our Turnkey Fabrication & Installation Process

Ideally, all we ask is that you contact us with your lifting, material handling, height safety or steel fabrication requirement. From there, we take a structured approach to deliver the most suitable and cost-effective solution.

At each stage, our goal is to recommend the most cost-effective and suitable solution for the application. That might mean a simple fixed beam, a manual A-frame gantry, or a fully motorised overhead crane system – the starting point is always your process and your site.

Quality, Compliance & Documentation

Fabrication for lifting applications is a safety-critical activity. For that reason, we place strong emphasis on quality, compliance and documentation. Key elements include:

• EN 1090 accreditation: All structural steel components are produced under our EN 1090 certification and carry the appropriate CE marking.
• Execution Class 2 capability: We fabricate to EN 1090-2 Execution Class 2, suitable for a wide range of building and industrial applications.
• Coded welders and procedures: Our welding operations follow qualified procedures and are carried out by experienced welders.
• Traceability: We can provide material certificates, welding documentation and inspection records where required.
• Load testing and GA1 certification: On completion, lifting equipment is tested and certified in line with Irish regulations and best practice.

This structured approach ensures that the final product is fully functional, reliable and compliant with all relevant safety standards and regulations, giving you confidence in the equipment you are putting into service.

Where Our Fabrication Division Adds Value

Because we combine lifting expertise with in-house fabrication, we are often involved in projects where a standard, off-the-shelf product would not be enough. Typical applications include:

• New build and extension projects – designing and installing complete crane and runway systems as part of a new facility.
• Upgrading existing workshops – adding jib cranes, gantries or monorails to make manual handling tasks safer and more efficient.
• Pharmaceutical and cleanroom environments – stainless steel steelwork and lifting beams designed for controlled environments.
• Food and beverage production – fabricated access platforms, lifting beams and supports in hygienic finishes.
• Water treatment and utilities – lifting beams and gantries for pump replacement, screens and heavy maintenance tasks.
• General manufacturing and engineering – bespoke lifting points, brackets and supports integrated with process equipment.

Why Work with Prolift for Fabrication & Steelwork?

Selecting a fabrication partner for lifting steelwork is about more than price. Safety, compliance and practical experience all matter. Working with Prolift means:

• One partner from concept to certification – you don’t have to manage separate designers, fabricators, installers and test bodies.
• Specialists in lifting and material handling – the equipment is designed by people who understand how it will actually be used.
• Project-focused approach – we take time to understand your process, not just your building.
• EN 1090 accredited, CE marked steelwork – giving you a clear compliance pathway.
• Practical, cost-conscious solutions – we balance technical performance with budget and programme constraints.

Frequently Asked Questions