There’s a new trend in gates – and metal craftsman Fred Smith is happy to oblige.
Composite gates have proved one of his most popular options since the Covid lockdown. “We’re doing a lot of these,” says Fred. “People like them – they’re private, secure and composite doesn’t rot.” It just one of the firm’s many options.
Creative Fred has the skills to turn any project into reality – intricate or simple, big or small, for a garden, school, home, business or council. As well as creating it, they’ll visit your home or business to repair it – a growing part of their business. Friendly Fred says: “We make anything you want. If people come with a picture, we love to recreate it. I’ve got skilled workers I can rely on. We can also come to your home or factory and do repairs on-site, be it welding or taking away your rusted gate or railings to refurbish.”
Father-of-two Fred learned his trade at Coupe Foundry, Walton-le-Dale, before buying the business in Penwortham 15 years ago. It recently moved to expand and Fred’s wife, Tracy, an accountant, has joined full-time. FJ Fabrications, with eight staff, can respond quickly to requests for help – and offer
a good price. “We keep our prices competitive with one man bands,” adds Tracy. “We like people to recommend us and no job is too small. We do anything from 9-metre commercial gates to church candlesticks or a stainless steel house number!”
Fred, 55, who also offers a design service, believes in the personal touch, visiting clients for estimates. Work is domestic and commercial. Clients include Fulwood Barracks, Redrow at Buckshaw Village and Lancashire County Council. He works in steel, wrought iron, and aluminium (lighter gates do not wear out automation). They also work in stainless steel, often preferred for internal home jobs such as staircases or balconies. Gates and railings are a mainstay, with automated gates an option.
FJ is five-star rated in the Lancashire County Council Safe Trader scheme.
