Our Story

Established in 1969 we’re one of the South West’s leading metal fabrication experts. We specialise in sheet metal fabrication and fabricated steel products, underpinned by 50 years’ experience in tool making, precision engineering and press work.

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Sub-contract metalwork engineers

As sub-contract metalwork engineers, we have a vast suite of metal fabrication machinery at our Plymouth factory – so we can truly offer a one-stop shop for metal assemblies.

We have invested strongly in the latest CNC manufacturing machinery, as well as our highly skilled team. This enables us to consistently deliver on the three things our customers value – quality, price and lead time.

Our in-house technologies include precision turning, pressed components, metal bending and folding, laser cut parts, welding and powder coating.

Our highly-skilled design team also uses industry recognised software, and can assist clients with design when necessary, turning even rough ideas into 3D visuals and manufacturing drawings.

Our Clients

We provide bespoke metal fabrication services to many of the leading manufacturing companies in Plymouth, across Devon and Cornwall, and beyond.

We are well served to operate and service all industries where high-quality engineered components are critical, including transport & automotive, retail, specialist furniture, and data enclosures.

We can cater for small or large volumes, and can work with clients to develop and prototype a product, then scale up efficiently for mass production.

Our History

Following a successful apprenticeship at Tecalemit Plymouth, Bill Alderman decided to go it alone in the world of press tool making and founded Alderman Tooling Ltd with little more than a dream and a damp unit on Sutton Harbour.

Designing and making press tools for the thriving Plymouth Manufacturing economy, he grew organically reinvesting year on year to expand the capabilities both in skilled toolmakers and equipment.

The portfolio of services expanded when investment in a couple of power presses allowed us to produce the pressed parts from the tools he had previously manufactured.

Three factory moves and two extensions later, along with the acquisition of a sheet metal fabrication business in the 1980’s had broadened our services to a wide range of industries including the world of retail, furniture and bespoke sheet metal enclosures.

The company remains in family ownership and management and is now run by Bill’s youngest daughter, Karen Friendship, a qualified Civil Engineer. Karen heads up a dedicated team of 50 at our Plymouth factory.

Find out more

Read more about us! In 2013 we produced an autobiography to tell the story of Aldermans as a Plymouth business.

Download it here

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