Welding & Fabrication
Custom-built steelwork for safety, access, and infrastructure – on-site or in our fully equipped workshop. We design, fabricate and install durable steelwork for inland waterways – from lock ladders to public access structures.
Waterway Maintenance Services
Our Specialist Welding & Fabrication Services
Steelwork is the backbone of many waterway environments – from lock ladders to safety railings. The Rothen Group designs, fabricates, and installs custom steel structures to keep the UK’s rivers, canals, and marinas moving.
From new lock gates to steel grates, everything we fabricate is purpose-built — in our workshop or directly on site. Our mobile welding units are fitted with 400-amp generator sets, enabling us to carry out plasma cutting, stick welding, and gas cutting in even the most remote or hard-to-access locations.
All works are completed by fully qualified City & Guilds welders and fabricators. These seasoned professionals can perform on-site repairs or full-scale installations, creating walkways, access stairs and ladders, structural steelwork, fencing, security grilles, and much more.
Need help with a custom steel fabrication or on-site welding project? Get in touch with The Rothen Group to discuss your requirements.
Gallery
FEATURED CASE STUDY
Habitat Creation Coney Meadows, Droitwich
Coney Meadows is part of a nationwide project to restore the UK’s wetlands. Since the 17th century, large areas of reedbeds have been stripped and converted into agricultural land, massively reducing the number of habitats available for wetland animals.
FEATURED CASE STUDY
Changing the Shape of the River Derwent, Derby
Following the storm seasons of 2023 & 2024, the EA set out to review its impact on the UK’s waterways. The River Derwent in Derby was flagged after a sonar scan of its navigation identified a scour hole – a direct result of heavy rainfall pushing sediment downstream.
With decades of experience, we’ve worked on almost every waterway in the UK. Our welding and fabrication services cover everything a site might need, whether it’s a river, canal, or marina. Here are some examples:
Steel access stairs, walkways, and lock ladders
Jetty and pontoon frameworks
On-site welding and metal repairs
Mild steel structural components
Security grilles, railings, and fencing
Custom brackets, mounts, and fixings
Lock gate and stop plank refurbishment
Frames for signage, towpath features, and equipment
We don’t just build it – we install it. We manage every stage of metalwork fabrication and installation, whether we’re on-site or in our workshop. You’ll get a professional service, ensuring the correct fit, finish, and compliance with safety standards.
What types of welding and fabrication do you offer?
Yes. Our mobile welding vehicles are fully equipped for on-site welding, even in hard-to-reach or remote canal or riverside locations. Our fleet of lorries is fitted with 400-amp welder-generator sets, allowing us to deliver power and performance on-site.
Thanks to our team's expertise, we can perform stick welding, gas cutting, and plasma cutting wherever it’s needed. The Rothen Group is one of the few (if not the only) companies in the UK with such comprehensive capabilities.
Can you carry out welding on-site?
Yes. Our comprehensive canal and river management services don’t just cover the natural features but also the adjacent infrastructure. We can repair or replace steel walkways, access stairs, lock ladders, and platforms for use in waterway maintenance of public-facing areas.
All fabrications are designed to meet stringent safety, durability, and weather-resistance requirements. Your safety and security are our top priority.
Do you fabricate access structures like stairs and walkways?
Mild steel is our primary material of choice, due to its strength, versatility, and cost-effectiveness. We find it to be the most resilient material for marine and riparian environments. However, depending on your project, we can also work with other metals.
If you have a specific material request, speak to our team to see if we can help. We can advise on safety and weatherproofing requirements, ensuring all fabrications are suitable for long-term outdoor performance.
What materials do you work with?
Yes. All welding work is carried out by fully qualified City & Guilds welders and mechanics. We maintain high standards of safety and precision, whether we're working on a small bracket repair or a large structural fabrication.
Are your welders qualified?
That depends. Project timelines are determined by the size and complexity of the job. We never rush welding and fabrication projects — these structures need to be safe, secure, and long-lasting.
For smaller canal-side metal fabrication or repair, we can often turn around within days. However, large or bespoke fabrications take a lot longer – we’ll provide a clear timeline before we get started.
How long do fabrication and installation projects take?
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about us
A decade of
The Rothen Group
With decades of hands-on experience across the UK’s inland waterways, The Rothen Group is a trusted specialist in the maintenance, repair, and improvement of canals, rivers, and marinas. From emergency works to long-term infrastructure projects, we support safe, sustainable, and reliable waterway operations.
Our team of engineers, fabricators, welders, and operators brings practical expertise and technical skill to every job — whether that’s dredging a channel, reinforcing a riverbank, or fabricating steel access structures.
We work closely with public authorities, private landowners, and contractors to deliver high-quality solutions that respect each site's challenges. By combining traditional craftsmanship with modern equipment, we help protect the future of the UK’s waterways—one project at a time.
