CONTACT US ABOUT YOUR NEXT HERITAGE ENGINEERING PROJECT
For restoration and repair works to vintage structures and machinery, talk to our experienced engineers.
+44 (0)1535 634 674
enquires@mcbo.co.uk
INFORMATION
& ADVICE
What is heritage engineering?
Heritage engineering focuses on the restoration, repair, and preservation of historic industrial infrastructure such as railway bridges, steam-powered machinery, mills, and factory plants. It combines traditional craftsmanship with modern engineering techniques to safeguard heritage assets while meeting current safety and regulatory standards.
Do you work on historic railway bridges and other industrial-era structures?
Yes. We specialise in repairing and maintaining Victorian and early 20th-century bridges, viaducts, and structural steelwork, using sympathetic restoration techniques. Our team is skilled in coded welding, structural assessments, and metalwork fabrication, ensuring that repairs maintain both historical integrity and structural safety.
Can you restore heritage steam machinery and plant equipment?
Absolutely. We restore steam engines, mill equipment, boilers, and mechanical plant from the industrial era, often fabricating replacement components to original specifications. Our workshop combines traditional machining and fabrication with modern design tools to achieve authentic and functional results.
How do you ensure safety compliance when working on heritage structures?
Our approach is guided by current engineering codes, safety regulations, and heritage conservation standards. We provide structural surveys, stress analysis, and non-destructive testing (NDT) to ensure all repairs meet modern safety requirements while respecting historic designs.
Can you fabricate replacement parts for heritage engineering projects?
Yes. We frequently manufacture bespoke components, including riveted platework, boiler parts, structural steel, and cast replacements. Using a mix of traditional and CNC machining, we can recreate obsolete components to original patterns or update designs for improved performance.
Discover our full range of industrial and heritage boiler and engineering services
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EXPERT RESTORATION OF INDUSTRIAL-ERA MACHINES AND STRUCTURES
At McEwen Boilermakers, we specialise in the restoration, repair, and sympathetic reproduction of heritage engineering works. With decades of experience and a deep respect for traditional methods, we work closely with conservation officers, engineers, museums, heritage railways, and local authorities to ensure all restoration projects meet both technical standards and conservation requirements.
We are proud to have delivered a wide variety of high-profile heritage engineering projects. Our specialist boilermakers, engineers, and fabricators bring deep technical knowledge and practical skill to every restoration, helping to safeguard Britain’s industrial legacy for future generations.
our services.
ARCHITECTURAL METALWORK
Our expertise in traditional fabrication has opened doors beyond industrial heritage, with commissions that blend engineering skill with creative design. Whether restoring architectural elements or creating something entirely new, our team delivers metalwork that’s both functional and full of character.
When approached by Jamie Oliver’s organisation to produce a bespoke fascia plate for a pizza oven in Brighton, it highlighted the demand for high-quality, heritage-style metalwork in commercial settings.
From riveted steelwork and brass detailing to Victorian-inspired designs, we create bespoke architectural features that can’t be sourced off the shelf. With a deep understanding of vintage machinery, historic fittings, and skilled fabrication, we produce one-off pieces in a range of finishes and styles, tailored to suit both heritage and contemporary spaces.
