e01. Growing a Modern Fabrication Business in Covid Pandemic

In this debut episode of The Detail by iSteel, host Stephen sits down with Pete Imielski, Head of Operations at iSteel Fabrications, for a deep dive into what it takes to run a growing UK-based fabrication business in today’s design and construction landscape.

Founded in 2020 — at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic — iSteel Fabrications was created to solve a key problem: the need for a reliable supplier to support iSteel’s luxury glazed steel door business. Fast forward to today, and Pete leads a full-scale fabrication workshop producing bespoke architectural steelwork for high-end residential and commercial projects across the UK.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What it was like starting a fabrication company during a national lockdown
• How in-house production powers quality and speed in the luxury market
• The role of steel and glass in sustainable architecture
• Why diversity and training matter in UK manufacturing
• The team’s latest venture: Cast & Forge — a furniture range made from steel, glass, and upholstery

Key Topics Covered:

• Starting a UK fabrication business during COVID
• The origin of iSteel Fabrications: solving supply chain gaps for bespoke doors
• Behind the scenes of fabricating high-end steel products in Yorkshire
• How technical skill, attention to detail, and client trust drive success
• Supporting architects with precision-made steelwork and reliable lead times
• New opportunities in architectural furniture with Cast & Forge

Guest Bio

Pete Imielski Pete is Head of Operations at iSteel Fabrications, the manufacturing arm of iSteel — a company renowned for its luxury glazed steel doors and partitions. With a background in engineering and a creative eye from his past life as a DJ and videographer, Pete brings precision, efficiency, and innovation to every project that passes through the workshop.

Quotes & Highlights

“We launched in 2020 — right in the middle of lockdown. It forced us to focus, build our own systems, and do things differently.”

“Steel and glass are two of the most recycled materials on the planet — and we use both to create detailed, lasting products built here in the UK.”

“When you fabricate in-house, you control the detail. That’s critical when you’re building luxury doors where the finish has to be flawless.”

Resources & Links
Visit iSteel Fabrications: https://www.isteelfabrications.co.uk
Explore iSteel’s glazed steel door collections: https://www.isteel.co.uk
Cast & Forge — Steel and Glass Furniture (Coming Soon)