In the construction industry, where metal meets ambition, stands DM Steelworks, a company that has transformed to a robust team of up to 70 skilled individuals. Founded in 1997 by Don Mitchell, the company began its journey in a modest railway arch, expanding over the years to occupy a significant workshop and office space by 2012.
Paul and Joe Walters, the dynamic managers at DM Steelworks, describe the company’s evolution. “We started off with a little railway arch and then moved to a bigger one, and took on another one after that,” Paul recalls. The growth is not just in size but in capability, with an in-house design team, health and safety managers, and a workforce that spans both the workshop and the office.
Joe, who climbed the ranks from draughtsman to general manager, reflects on his journey and the company’s specialisation. “I primarily did architecture before coming here, then started doing more structural stuff once I arrived,” he says, highlighting the company’s shift from architectural metalwork to more complex structural projects.
Joe points out that due to a lack of information from customers, the team end up taking on more than expected, as was the case with their recent project at London Zoo. “We did all the architectural metal work for the Snowdon Aviary and we ended up developing the whole of the architectural metal systems,” Joe shares, showcasing the company’s adaptability and problem-solving prowess.
From garden gates to 500-tonne structures, spiral staircases to balconies, DM Steelworks’ portfolio is diverse. Their work graces the skyline of Birmingham, with long-term projects like the nine tower blocks at Silver Wharf, and they have left their mark on iconic structures such as Tower Bridge and Twickenham Stadium.
The company’s reach extends beyond the UK, with projects like the Spiral Stair for Netflix’s ‘The Glass Onion’, shipped all the way to Belgrade. Their versatility and willingness to tackle any challenge head-on have earned them a reputation for being fast-paced and responsive, embodying the very essence of London’s dynamic construction scene. “We like to undertake anything at all that we can” Paul concludes, a statement that captures the ambition and drive of this thriving enterprise.
Navigating the Tides of Challenge
For Paul and Joe, the journey of growth is not without its hurdles. The biggest challenge they face is financial: “Getting your money,” as Paul puts it bluntly. The issue of retentions looms large, with funds owed to them often taking years to recover, if at all. “You’re writing off a lot of money on retentions, and you have to chase the contracts,” he explains.
But financial concerns are not the only obstacles. The quest for skilled labour is equally daunting. Paul laments the difficulties in nurturing new talent due to educational and regulatory constraints. The challenges extend to the very core of their operations. Variations in design and last-minute changes are commonplace, often leading to disputes over payment for additional work. “It comes down to the end of the job and [it’s] difficult to get paid for the work that you’ve been instructed to do,” Joe shares, highlighting the precarious nature of contractual agreements in their industry.
Despite these challenges, DM Steelworks thrives on its diversity and the strength of its design team. “We seem to be getting the work alright,” Paul notes, attributing their success to their ability to adapt and tackle a wide range of projects. From local ventures to international collaborations.
As they navigate the tides of challenge, the company remains steadfast. Their resilience and commitment to their craft have seen DM Steelworks through two decades of change, and they stand ready to face whatever the future holds. “It can be tough,” Paul admits, but for DM Steelworks, every challenge is an opportunity to prove their mettle.
A Legacy Cast in Steel
When asked how they perceive the legacy of the company, Paul draws to the fact that the company has made their mark all over the country in some of the most well-known landmarks. DM Steelworks has not only contributed to the skyline but has become a part of the nation’s fabric. “Every time we go up Tower Bridge, we see the work underneath it, in the water, so it’s little things like that,” Paul remarks with pride.
Looking ahead, Paul and Joe envision a legacy that transcends the steel beams and bolts of their projects. It’s about the relationships they’ve built, the communities they’ve supported, and the future generations they hope to inspire. “You can go up in the London Eye, and look on the Houses of Parliament, and you can say, ‘that’s our work we’re looking at,’” Paul reflects, contemplating the broader significance of their work.
For Paul and Joe, the legacy of DM Steelworks is not just about what they have built but how they have built it—with integrity and a commitment to excellence. As they look to the future, they do so with the confidence that their company’s legacy will endure, not just in the steel that frames the nation’s landmarks but in the hearts and minds of those who will follow in their footsteps.
