Certified Welding for Precision, Strength and Long-Term Reliability

At Holdens Engineering, we understand that lasting fabrication starts with strong welds. Welding is more than just joining metal—it is the backbone of structural integrity, performance, and durability in every component we produce. For nearly 50 years, our team of highly qualified welders has delivered dependable welding services to clients across the UK in sectors where quality is non-negotiable. From intricate TIG welding of aerospace components to heavy MIG welds in nuclear and oil & gas projects, our welding capability is supported by qualified procedures, rigorous testing, and a commitment to engineering excellence.

Decades of Experience in Welding

Holdens has been providing welding services since the 1970s, working with customers in industries where safety, reliability, and specification compliance are critical. Our experience spans hundreds of bespoke projects—from one-off prototypes to multi-unit production runs—and we continue to support long-term clients across the UK with repeat work built on trust and performance.

Sectors we regularly serve include:

• Aerospace
• Rail infrastructure
• Oil & gas
• Chemical processing
• Nuclear energy
• Utilities and infrastructure
• Specialist manufacturing and R&D

Each sector brings its own technical requirements, material demands, and compliance expectations. We are proud to have built a team and a set of internal processes that can meet these demands while remaining flexible to project-specific needs.

Certified Welders, Qualified Procedures

All welding at Holdens is carried out by qualified personnel working to current British and international standards. Our team includes welders coded to meet the requirements of BS EN ISO 9606, ASME IX, and other applicable industry standards. We hold approved weld procedures for a range of materials and thicknesses, including: Carbon steel (up to 100mm thick), Stainless steel (including 304, 316, 316L), Aluminium and non-ferrous materials, High-performance alloys such as Inconel and Hastelloy and Dissimilar metal joints

This extensive library of procedures and qualifications allows us to take on projects with critical joint specifications, pressure ratings, or fatigue resistance requirements. We can also develop new WPS (Welding Procedure Specifications) to support unique or highly specialised project needs.

In-House Quality Control and Testing

All welding activity is subject to our in-house quality assurance processes, aligned with our ISO 9001:2015 quality management system. We believe that quality is built into every stage—from material preparation and joint fit-up to post-weld inspection and documentation. Our welding quality controls include:

• Visual weld inspection by trained personnel
• Dimensional verification against drawings
• Weld traceability and identification
• NDT services including dye penetrant and MPI testing
• Third-party inspection where required

We maintain full documentation for all projects, including welding logs, material certificates, welder ID records and inspection reports. Where client-specific quality plans or ITPs are required, we integrate them fully into our workflow.

MIG, TIG and MMA Welding Capabilities

Holdens provides a full range of manual and semi-automated welding processes, ensuring the right technique is applied to each project based on material type, joint design, access, and finish requirements.

MIG (Metal Inert Gas) – Used extensively for mild and stainless steel in thicker sections or high-productivity work.

TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) – Used for thinner materials, complex joints, and aesthetic applications, particularly in stainless steel, aluminium and aerospace-grade alloys.

MMA (Manual Metal Arc / Stick Welding) – Applied in structural steelwork and heavy fabrication, especially in outdoor or on-site applications.

We also support spot welding and specialised fabrication welding techniques as part of broader project work.

Infrastructure for Heavy Welding Projects

Our Preston-based facility is equipped to handle large and heavy-duty welded assemblies. With overhead crane capacity up to 30 tonnes and dedicated welding bays, we can manage large structures, pressure-rated components, and precision fabrications all under one roof.

Projects range from structural beams and skids through to tanks, pipework assemblies, and framework for aerospace and defence equipment. Each item is welded with attention to accuracy, penetration, and joint integrity, ensuring that strength and performance are maintained across the full structure.

Supporting Specialist Sectors

We have developed deep expertise in supporting sectors with specific regulatory and technical challenges:

Aerospace

Working under strict specification and documentation controls, we weld stainless and nickel alloys for jigs, enclosures, and test fixtures. Clean welding, precision fit-up and consistent finish quality are essential.

Rail

We fabricate and weld components for rolling stock, trackside infrastructure and maintenance equipment. Materials include stainless steel and high-strength carbon steels, with testing to structural codes.

Oil & Gas / Chemical

Pressure-bearing welds, corrosion-resistant alloys, and NDT validation are core to the work we do for downstream and midstream projects. We understand the requirements of PED compliance and coded weld standards.

Nuclear

Our involvement includes structural supports, shielding assemblies and pressure-rated components. We meet rigorous traceability and inspection standards, often working in partnership with Tier 1 contractors.

Metallurgical Expertise

Welding is as much about understanding the behaviour of metals as it is about process. Holdens has invested in metallurgical expertise and research over many years, allowing us to:

• Select appropriate filler materials for base metal compatibility
• Manage heat-affected zones (HAZ) to prevent cracking or distortion
• Minimise post-weld stress and improve fatigue resistance
• Achieve target mechanical properties through welding and post-weld treatment

This technical insight allows us to offer advice and de-risk fabrication during the early stages of a project, contributing to improved weld performance and longer service life of critical components.

Designed for Fabrication

We often work with clients from the design phase to ensure joints are appropriate for welding and that the chosen materials, section sizes, and tolerances will deliver a strong, consistent end result. Our engineers can provide input on:

• Weld joint design and accessibility
• Distortion control
• Weld sequencing
• Surface finish and post-weld treatment options
• Cost-effective fabrication strategies

This collaborative approach helps reduce rework and improve downstream assembly or installation performance.

Summary

With nearly five decades of experience, Holdens Engineering provides high-quality, cost-effective welding services for some of the UK’s most demanding sectors. From structural fabrications to pressure-rated components, our skilled welders, certified procedures, and rigorous quality control ensure the strength and performance of every product we manufacture.

When reliability, safety, and specification compliance matter, Holdens is the trusted name in welding for clients across aerospace, rail, oil & gas, nuclear, and beyond.

Get in touch today to discuss your welding requirements or to request a quote for your next fabrication project.

Holdens Engineering – built on strong foundations.