Washington Metalworks was founded in 1985 by Steve Tate, aged just 26, from a 500 sq ft unit on Swan Industrial Estate. At the time, the plant list was simple: a guillotine, a 4 ft hand-folding machine and a stick welder. That was the starting point.

More than 40 years later, the business has grown into a 220-strong team operating from a 150,000 sq ft site, supplying OEM customers across the UK, Western Europe and the USA. While the scale of the company has changed significantly, the approach has remained the same: hard work, practical problem-solving and pride in doing the job properly.

Steve has since moved into the role of Chairman, but his commitment to reinvesting in the business continues to shape Washington Metalworks today. That long-term outlook has allowed the next generation to build on his legacy, develop the company further and keep moving the business forward.