Business Details
Expert Metal Fabrication in Manchester
General & Tube Engineering is a family-run business established over 30 years ago, specialising in precision welding and fabrication services. Based in the North West of England, we serve clients across Manchester, Salford, Bolton, Bury, and beyond. Our expertise spans mild steel and stainless steel welding, tube bending, sheet metal manipulation, and in-house powder coating. With a legacy of technical excellence passed through three generations, we combine advanced CNC machinery with traditional craftsmanship to deliver high-quality, repeatable solutions.Our facilities include dedicated cutting, welding, polishing, and finishing bays, ensuring complete project control from design to delivery. We prioritise cost-effective prototyping for small businesses while maintaining long-term partnerships with clients in education, furniture, and vehicle conversion sectors. Our commitment to reliability and customer-centric service has earned us a trusted reputation in the engineering industry.
Services
Welding
Fabrication
Tube Bending
Powder Coating
Stainless Steel Polishing
Highlights and features
- We offer 30 years of family-led engineering expertise
- Our in-house powder coating reduces lead times
- We operate advanced CNC tube bending machinery
- Our team maintains consistent quality through stored programmes
- We specialise in cost-effective prototyping for startups
Services
Welding
We provide precision MIG and TIG welding for mild and stainless steel applications. Our skilled engineers ensure consistent, high-strength welds using dedicated machinery. This service supports structural fabrication, repair work, and custom metal solutions across industrial sectors.
Tube Bending
Our CNC mandrel bending creates accurate tube forms for commercial applications. With capacity to store thousands of programmes, we guarantee repeatable results. This service benefits prototype development and large-scale production requirements.
Fabrication
We create custom steel structures using cutting, folding, and assembly techniques. Our workshop handles complete projects from design to finishing. This service supports educational furniture, vehicle conversions, and industrial equipment manufacturing.
Powder Coating
Our in-house powder coating facility provides durable protective finishes. This controlled process ensures consistent quality while reducing lead times. Available for both internal and external metal components across all our fabrication projects.
Stainless Steel Polishing
We offer mirror-polish finishing for stainless steel products. This includes handrails, boat fittings, and memorial industry components. Our dedicated polishing bays ensure precision results for both functional and decorative applications.
People
Geoff Townshend
Founder
Established the business 30 years ago with extensive engineering expertise. Pioneered technical solutions that built the company's reputation. His legacy continues through family-led management and operational excellence.
Mark Townshend
Managing Director
Third-generation engineer leading daily operations. Maintains the original customer service ethos while implementing modern fabrication techniques. Oversees quality control and strategic business development.
Dale Townshend
General Manager
Manages client relationships and project coordination. Ensures efficient workflow across all departments. Combines family tradition with contemporary management practices to maintain service standards.
Ben Townshend
Works Manager
Supervises manufacturing processes and technical staff. Maintains equipment standards and production timelines. Applies inherited engineering knowledge to daily workshop operations and quality assurance.
Questions
What industries do you serve?
We primarily work with education, office furniture, and vehicle conversion sectors, though our metal fabrication services apply to various industries.
Can you handle prototype development?
Yes, we specialise in cost-effective prototyping for startups and small businesses needing market-ready product samples.
Do you offer complete project management?
Our services cover full project cycles from design consultation to final installation, including in-house powder coating and finishing.
What materials do you work with?
We specialise in mild steel and stainless steel fabrication, with capabilities in tube bending, sheet metal work, and polishing.
Are you equipped for large-scale production?
Our CNC machinery and stored programmes enable consistent, repeatable manufacturing for both small repairs and bulk orders.
How do you ensure quality control?
We maintain strict quality standards through experienced staff, dedicated equipment bays, and comprehensive in-house finishing processes.
