No 46. KLM Steel Fabrications

Structural steelwork manufacturer

Growth (2005-2007) – 89.7%

Description

The business (www.klmsteel.co.uk) is based in the construction industry where it provides a wide variety of products. These include the manufacture and erection of steel frame buildings, extensions, mezzanine floors, staircases and balustrading. The business is adept at fabricating architectural steelwork, which is a side of the business it is seeking to promote, as there is increasing demand for unusual shapes in modern day construction. The majority of its work is acting as a sub-contractor to the main contractor in the construction industry although it also has some private clients for whom the firm works for on an occasional basis as required

Origins

All three Directors had worked within the industry for local fabricators and the motivation and challenge was to start their own business to compete with others and hopefully provide a better service. Major problems faced in the first three years (some of which remain) include finding suitable premises, recruitment of suitably skilled workers, funding, keeping in touch with changes in legislation

Success factors

The three main factors attributed to the growth of the company are hard work, dedication and maintaining good relations with customers and workforce alike.

The future?

In the current economic climate, the company’s plans are to consolidate at a level it can feel comfortable with and gradually try to promote areas where there is a niche market, such as Architectural Steelwork