H.A McEwen Boiler Repairs

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+44(0)1535 634 674

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enquires@mcbo.co.uk

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    GET IN TOUCH

    Farling Top, Cowling, Keighley West Yorkshire BD22 0NW

    +44 (0)1535 634 674

    enquires@mcbo.co.uk

    About Us

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    about.

    A FAMILY BUSINESS FOR OVER 50 YEARS

    H.A. McEwen (Boiler Makers) Ltd. was founded in 1968 by Alan McEwen, who learned his trade among the steam boilermakers of Lancashire’s mill towns. His son Alasdair later took over as Managing Director in 19xx, growing the company into a nationally recognised name.

    Known for excellence in industrial and heritage boiler services, repairs and manufacturing, we serve a wide range of clients, from major commercial and public sector organisations to museums and heritage groups.

    Blending traditional expertise with modern techniques, our teams work nationwide, delivering every project with professionalism, precision and cost-efficiency.

    our story.

    Together we build success

    1960s -70s
    1980s
    1990s
    2000s-2010s
    Present

    Alan McEwen establishes the company in 1968, purchasing a 1954 Austin Devon estate as his first company vehicle.

    After a few years toiling under the weight of steel boiler tubes, oxygen cylinders and boxes of hammers and chisels as it attended to boiler repairs in the mills and factories of northern England, the Austin is replaced in 1972 with a Bedford J Type truck.

    Among the notable highlights of these early years were:

    • 1977 Built and riveted on the smokebox for a BR Standard 4 locomotive boiler
    • 1978 Repairs to a L. & S.W. Railway Class T9 locomotive boiler
    • 1979 Designed and built the steel boiler for a Union Pacific narrow gauge locomotive

    Several steam and hot water boilers are designed and built by McEwen Boilermakers, including modern biomass boilers.

    The X Series multi-tubular vertical steam boiler prototype was developed in 1981, before two were delivered to Edinburgh University in 1984 (pictured leaving Farling Top). Also in 1984, we designed and manufactured a wood-fired boiler for a steam launch for the Windermere Steam Boat Museum. Two years later, the Mac-Pac hot water boiler was developed, using wood, straw, sawdust and waste paper products as fuel.

    Other highlights of the 1980s include:

    • 1981 Rebuilt a Hunslet narrow gauge steam locomotive boiler
    • 1985 Two steam launch boilers were designed and built for a company in London
    • 1988 The firebox on the historic ‘Lion’ locomotive was repaired for the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester

    McEwen Boilermakers Upgrades to a Bedford Model T.K.

    The 7.5-ton workhorse is the first in the fleet and is put to work over the decade, delivering boilers and carrying firewood for steam tests.

    Highlights of the 1990s include:

    • 1990 Vintage boilers and fireboxes designed and delivered to Beamish Museum, Co. Durham.
    • 1994 A steam roller boiler is delivered to a garage in Clitheroe.
    • 1995 A heritage railway locomotive boiler is repaired and steam tested.

    McEwen Boilermakers Hits the Half-Century

    In August 2018, we celebrated 50 years of industrial and heritage boiler design, installation, repair and servicing. Reflecting on our golden anniversary to Old Glory Magazine, Managing Director Alasdair McEwen said:

    “I’m very proud our company has reached this milestone, we have had our ups and downs along the way, but we’ve built a solid customer base and a well-earned reputation for high-class workmanship. It’s my intention to build on this in the future. Here’s to the next 50 years!”

    Other highlights of the 2000s-2010s include:

    • 2012 Crofton Pumping Station’s historic Lancashire boiler is re-riveted after failing an insurance inspection
    • 2012 In a departure from our more traditional work, we fabricated and installed two large riveted steel plate oven fascias for Jamie Oliver’s London and Birmingham restaurants.
    • 2014 A major project saw us design, install and commission two 6,000kgs/h Byworth boilers for a global pet food manufacturer.
    • 2018 A 1906 Babcock & Wilcox Watertube Boiler is restored and returned to steam at Twyford Waterworks, an Edwardian pumping station of considerable engineering significance.

    McEwen Boilermakers Restores the Iconic Gaunless Bridge

    In 2024 we completed the full restoration of the iconic Gaunless Bridge, a 19th-century structure of immense significance to railway history. After a painstaking process of dismantling, transporting, repairing and restoring the bridge section by section, it has now taken pride of place at Locomotion, Shildon.

    Other highlights of the 2020s include:

    • 2023 A manufacturing facility’s expansion meant designing, installing and commissioning a substantial 1200kW LTHW biomass boiler plant to utilise the wood waste products from the factory.
    • 2024 Crofton Pumping Station’s historic Lancashire boiler is re-riveted after failing an insurance inspection.
    • 2024 An outdated boiler was replaced with a modern system at a military barracks, one of the many works we have performed for the Ministry of Defence.

    our commitments

    We know that every decision has an impact

    Safety

    We will never compromise the safety of our people. Our goal is zero incidents and our lost time frequency rate is industry leading.

    Quality

    Consistency ensures success. We see projects through and proactively develop solutions to exceed expectations.

    Sustainability

    We look beyond sustainable construction to corporate social responsibility that addresses partners, projects, and places.

    Stewardship

    Our culture of giving empowers employees to give back to the community.

    Many thanks for getting the locomotive boiler repaired. It seemed a bit hectic getting the welding and inspection day organised, but it all went smoothly and was a tribute to the professionalism of everyone involved. The locomotive was back in operation for Easter and has done about 15 days service so far this year.
    Geoff Holland Sian Project Group

    H.A McEwen Boiler Repairs

    Industrial & Heritage Boiler Services