Meet the Machine: Powering SBUK’s Green Energy future
In the heavy engineering sector, capability is everything. At Steel Benders UK (SBUK), we have built our reputation on delivering complex, heavy-duty fabrication projects across Teesside and beyond.
As the UK accelerates its transition towards sustainable infrastructure and renewable energy, the demands on manufacturers have never been greater.
Meeting those challenges requires not only skilled people and deep technical expertise, but also the capacity to operate at the very limits of modern steel forming.
To ensure we continue to lead rather than follow, SBUK has made a significant investment in advanced plate rolling capability.
This investment represents a clear statement of intent: as the UK’s green industrial future takes shape, SBUK is positioned not just to support it, but to help deliver it.
Unmatched power and precision
The Davi 4-roll is an engineering benchmark, designed for the most demanding metal forming applications. While standard rolling equipment is suited to everyday fabrication, this capability allows Steel Benders UK to operate at a significantly higher scale.
The standout capability is sheer power.
SBUK is able to roll steel plates up to 90mm thick and three metres wide, placing the company among a select group of UK companies producing some of the thickest steel cylinders in the country.
Power, however, must be matched by precision. The 4-roll geometry is widely recognised as the most accurate rolling technology available.
Unlike traditional 3-roll systems, the plate is secured firmly between the top and bottom rolls, delivering a precise and consistent pinch. This significantly reduces flat spots on the leading and trailing edges, resulting in near-perfect cylinders with minimal waste and far less need for secondary correction.
Phil Anderson, Operations Director at SBUK, said: “From an operational perspective, precision is just as valuable as power. Handling 90mm plate is a serious undertaking that demands absolute control.
“This capability gives our operators the confidence to form complex, heavy-duty components with exceptional accuracy.
“It reduces handling time and increases safety, allowing us to deliver large-scale projects faster and to a higher standard than ever before.”
Supporting the green industrial revolution
This enhanced capability arrives at a critical moment for UK industry.
The drive towards Net Zero is accelerating demand for heavy-duty steel components, particularly in the North-East, where large-scale renewable and low-carbon projects are gathering pace.
From our Middlesbrough and Hartlepool operations, SBUK is seeing increasing requirements for infrastructure designed to perform under extreme pressure and in hostile environments.
The ability to roll 90mm thick plate is not a headline feature – it is a necessity for the next generation of green energy projects.
These include critical components for hydrogen storage vessels, which must safely contain volatile gases at high pressures, offshore wind monopiles that anchor turbines to the seabed in the North Sea, and essential subsea infrastructure that connects and supports renewable energy systems.
Tania Cooper, Managing Director of SBUK, said: “This investment is transformative for Steel Benders UK and closely aligned with the UK’s green energy ambitions.
“We recognised early that supporting the next generation of energy projects would require next-generation capability.
“Whether it is hydrogen, offshore wind or carbon capture, these industries need suppliers who can work with the heaviest materials without compromising on quality. This ensures SBUK is that supplier.”
Why choose Steel Benders UK?
Advanced equipment alone does not deliver results. What truly sets Steel Benders UK apart is the combination of cutting-edge capability and highly skilled people.
Every project benefits from the power and precision of our plate rolling capability, backed by a team of experienced tradespeople who understand the demands of heavy engineering.
By continuing to invest in technology that pushes the boundaries of what is possible, SBUK ensures that when clients face complex, large-scale fabrication challenges, the answer is always yes.
*If your project requires heavy plate rolling or you are looking for a trusted partner within the renewable energy supply chain, contact the SBUK team today to find out how we can support your next project.