Business Details
32 Years
experience
Trusted Structural Steel Stockholders in the UK
Established in 1994, The Alternative Steel has built a reputation as a trusted supplier of structural steel hollow sections across the UK. With nearly 30 years of industry experience, we combine extensive stock holdings of approximately 5,000 tonnes with precision processing capabilities to meet diverse customer needs. Our commitment to quality is evidenced by EN1090 certification and partnerships with reputable mills, ensuring all materials meet required standards. We operate a dedicated transport fleet for nationwide deliveries within 48 hours, supported by advanced cutting technology that enables tolerances as tight as +0mm/-2mm. Our investment in processing equipment, including Behringer and Amada saws, has reduced lead times to a maximum of two days, with next-day delivery available in many cases. The company's kitting service provides cost-effective solutions for regular orders, while laser profiling capabilities offer dimensional accuracy and reduced manufacturing costs.As part of the Amari Metals Engineering Group, we maintain strong supplier relationships to deliver bespoke solutions for specialist projects. Our team of experienced professionals prioritises responsive service and technical expertise, ensuring clients receive tailored advice and timely support. The Wigan-based facility operates modern processing equipment with multiple redundancies to minimise downtime, maintaining service reliability even during rare equipment failures. This combination of stock availability, technical capability, and customer-focused service has established The Alternative Steel as a preferred supplier to industries ranging from construction to power generation.
Services
Precision Cutting
Shotblasting
Primer Painting
Laser Profiling
Kitting Service
Nationwide Delivery
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- We have 30 years of experience in structural steel supply and processing
- Our precision cutting tolerances reach +0mm/-2mm with advanced saw technology
- EN1090-certified for structural steel execution standards
- Next-day delivery available through dedicated transport fleet
- Laser profiling reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating mechanical processes
Associations and certifications
- EN1090
Services
Precision Cutting
Our precision cutting service utilises advanced Behringer, Amada, and Pegas saws to achieve tolerances of +0mm/-2mm. Capable of straight and mitre cuts on sections from 25mm square to 1250mmx700mm aperture, we handle both standard and large-scale projects. Regular equipment maintenance and redundant systems ensure consistent service reliability with lead times reduced to maximum two days.
Laser Profiling
Laser profiling provides high-accuracy dimensional cuts with clean finishes for complex components. This eliminates need for jigs and reduces manual processing costs. Sections can be delivered as pre-assembled kits, saving customers time and storage space while maintaining repeatability for batch production requirements.
Kitting Service
Our kitting service processes and delivers pre-assembled component packages tailored to regular order specifications. This reduces customer stockholding costs while maintaining just-in-time delivery. Kits are clearly identified and packed for immediate use, streamlining fabrication workflows and minimising handling requirements at client sites.
Nationwide Delivery
Dedicated transport fleet ensures UK-wide deliveries within 48 hours of order confirmation. Vehicles are optimised for steel section transportation, with next-day delivery available for urgent requirements. Route planning software maximises efficiency while maintaining flexibility for last-minute schedule adjustments.
Surface Treatment
Shotblasting and weldable primer painting services prepare steel sections for immediate fabrication. Surface treatment improves corrosion resistance while maintaining weldability. Processing meets industry standards for surface finish quality, ensuring compatibility with subsequent manufacturing stages and coating applications.
Questions
What steel section sizes do you stock?
We carry cold-formed and hot-formed circular, square, and rectangular hollow sections in a comprehensive range of sizes and lengths, including specialist dimensions not available elsewhere in the UK.
How quickly can you deliver orders?
Most UK deliveries occur within 48 hours of order confirmation. Next-day delivery is available for urgent requirements through our dedicated transport fleet.
What processing services do you offer?
We provide precision cutting to +0mm/-2mm tolerances, shotblasting, primer painting, laser profiling, and kitting services for regular orders.
Are your steel products certified?
All cold-formed sections come with full material certification to advised grades from quality-assured British and Western European mills. We hold EN1090 certification for structural steel execution.
Can you handle bespoke steel requirements?
Yes, our supplier relationships enable special length and size production for bespoke contracts. Laser profiling and precision cutting capabilities support custom component manufacturing.
