A Wishaw company is leaving its mark across the UK with quality products that will stand the test of time.
That’s the view of Tory MSP Graham Simpson after a recent visit to Miller Fabrications on the outskirts of Overtown.
Mr Simpson was delighted to accept a tour of the factory floor after hearing from the management team that Miller Fabrications is responsible for some of the most complex railway station projects in the UK. These include the intricate stainless steel structural glass canopy that has transformed the iconic Waverley Steps in Edinburgh.
Managing Director Gary Gibb, along with Production Director David Smith and Finance Director Gavin Miller, explained that people use Miller Fabrications’ structures every day and would never know it was created entirely at its factory in Wishaw.
Mr Simpson said “Miller Fabrications is another example of a local Lanarkshire company exporting its skills and top quality products throughout the UK. Gary explained that they employ around 140 people including 18 apprentices, with all staff being recruited locally.
“He pointed out that Miller Fabrications was responsible for the revamping at Edinburgh Waverley train station, where I pass through regularly when heading to Holyrood. The complex canopy covering Waverley Steps entrance is a work of art and it would never have occurred to me that it was constructed in Wishaw.
“Gary went on to say what sets the company apart is its ability to manage a project from the first drawing until completion. He gave me a great example of this process in action. It was a massive logistical operation at Gravesend train station, just outside London. In total, Miller Fabrications installed a single span bridge, 3 lift shafts, 3 staircases and an 85m glass canopy all within the allocated 72 hours of track 'possession' time. Impressive to say the least.
“David explained the company left nothing to chance and had a full trial run in the factory beforehand to make sure it all worked on the day as they couldn’t afford to shut the railway system for any longer than the schedule allowed.
"Another key component to the company’s success is an investment in its own paint shop which cuts down the time it takes for the steel to be painted to specification. Before Miller Fabrications erected its own paint shop steel had to be sent down south for paint work. Scottish Enterprise had been instrumental in helping to expand the business and build the paint shop. Now Miller Fabrications is one of the few fabrication firms that can offer the complete services from start to finish on any project it takes on.
“During the tour, I saw that it is not all about bridges and large complex fabrication, the company also manufactures architectural and stainless steel structures such as feature staircases, balustrades, balconies and canopies. Effectively, every aspect of steel fabrication that any construction job needs Miller can manufacture it.
“It was great to see a local company making a name for itself across not only Scotland but the UK for its quality product and can-do attitude on even the most complex of projects.”
Miller Fabrications' Managing Director Gary Gibb said: “We were delighted to show Mr Simpson around Miller Fabrications which is continuing to evolve to meet the demands of our industry. The investment in the new paint shop has put us in a unique position to be able to offer a complete service to our customers from start to finish of any project.”