Concept and detail design
CAD modelling, stress calculations and FEA where required, produced in-house by experienced engineers.
Design + build, in the UK
UK design and manufacture of lifting equipment.
End-to-end UK delivery covering concept design, detail engineering, in-house fabrication, machining, assembly, proof-load testing and commissioning, with full material traceability and LOLER documentation.
Somers Handling is a UK design-and-manufacture business. Every piece of equipment we supply is engineered and built in our own works, with in-house fabrication, machining, assembly, proof-load testing and certification. That end-to-end control matters — particularly for bespoke work — because it keeps design intent and manufacturing practice in the same conversation.
What end-to-end actually means
We take single-point responsibility for the full delivery: concept design, detail engineering, fabrication, assembly, proof-load testing, delivery and on-site commissioning. Clients get one contract, one project manager, one documentation pack and one party accountable if anything needs resolving during commissioning or in service. The downside of “end-to-end” is it’s only as useful as the engineering behind it — which is why the consultancy and design capability is the front half of everything we do.
What we deliver
Scope of service.
Fabrication and machining
Structural steel fabrication, welding to qualified procedures, and precision machining, all under one roof.
Assembly and pre-delivery test
Full mechanical assembly, with proof-load testing at 125% of SWL and LOLER-ready certification before shipment.
Delivery, install and commissioning
Logistics, installation and on-site commissioning, with method statements, risk assessments and lifting plans.
How it works
Typical engagement.
Most engagements follow the sequence below — timelines scale to the scope and complexity of the work.
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Scope and design
Requirements capture, concept design, client approval and detail engineering.
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Fabrication
Cutting, welding and structural fabrication, with QA at each step including weld inspection.
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Assembly and test
Mechanical assembly, proof-load testing, functional test, and certification sign-off.
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Delivery and commission
Transport, install and commission on site — with handover documentation.
Accreditations & standards
Competence and compliance.
- BS EN 13155
- ISO 9001 (in progress)
- LOLER / CE / UKCA
- Qualified weld procedures (BS EN 15085 for rail)
Related products
Equipment we service and supply.
Bespoke lifting equipment
Custom lifting equipment engineered end-to-end for non-standard loads, duty cycles and environments — FEA-validated design.
View productJib cranes
Pillar, wall-mounted and articulated jib cranes, UK-manufactured from 60 kg up to 10 tonnes, manual or powered slewing.
View productSpreader beams and lifting frames
Bespoke and modular spreader beams, H-frames and balanced lifting frames to BS EN 13155 — CAD-engineered to your load geometry.
View productDesign and manufacture — frequently asked questions
Where is Somers Handling equipment manufactured?
All design and manufacture is carried out in the UK. Our works handle structural fabrication, welding, machining, assembly and proof-load testing in-house — not outsourced overseas.
What's the typical lead time?
Standard-catalogue items ship in 4–8 weeks. Bespoke design-and-manufacture projects run 12–26 weeks depending on complexity, with longer leads for rail-sector, nuclear or large-capacity work.
Can you deliver internationally?
Yes — equipment is regularly shipped to EU, Middle Eastern and North American customers, with documentation tailored to the destination regulatory regime (CE/UKCA for UK/EU, separate packs for other markets).
Do you hold ISO 9001?
ISO 9001 certification is in progress. Our internal quality system mirrors ISO 9001 requirements; full certification is targeted for {/* TODO: confirm target date */} later this year.
Need help with design and manufacture?
Send a short description of what you need and a Somers engineer will respond within one working day.