Industries in the UK That Rely on Roll Forming Machines (And What They Produce)

Roll forming machines have become an indispensable part of many UK industries, offering efficient, high-quality metal forming solutions for a wide range of applications. From roofing and cladding to modular buildings and agricultural structures, these versatile machines help businesses manufacture durable, custom profiles quickly and cost-effectively.

In this article, we explore the key UK industries that rely on roll forming machines and what they typically produce.

Roofing and Cladding Contractors

UK roofing and cladding contractors depend heavily on roll forming machines to produce a variety of metal profiles used in commercial, residential, and industrial buildings.

Typical products include:

• Corrugated and box profile roofing sheets

• Standing seam roof panels

• Wall cladding panels

• Flashings and trims

These profiles are vital for weatherproofing, structural integrity, and aesthetic appeal. Contractors value roll forming machines for their ability to deliver consistent profiles on demand, with fast turnaround times.

Modular Building Manufacturers

The modular construction sector in the UK is booming, driven by demand for quicker build times and sustainable methods. Roll forming machines produce critical components such as:

• Steel floor decking

• Wall panels and cladding systems

• Structural framing components like C & U studs

• Custom trims and flashings

These components are manufactured offsite and assembled rapidly on location, reducing construction timelines and improving quality control.

Structural Steel Fabricators

Steel fabricators across the UK rely on roll forming machines to produce structural members that form the backbone of buildings and infrastructure.

Common outputs include:

• C & Z purlins and girts

• Cold-formed steel channels and beams

• Metal studs and tracks for internal partitions

• Custom profiles for specialized framing needs

Roll forming offers precise dimensions and consistent strength, meeting UK building codes and client specifications.

Agricultural Shed and Barn Builders

Agricultural construction firms use roll forming machines to manufacture durable, weather-resistant roofing and wall panels for sheds, barns, and other farm buildings.

Products commonly produced:

• Corrugated roofing sheets

• IBR (Inverted Box Rib) profiles for strong roofing

• Custom trims and flashing components

• Lightweight cladding for ventilation

These profiles are cost-effective and designed to withstand the UK’s varied weather conditions.

Pre-Engineered Building (PEB) Companies

Pre-engineered building companies focus on fast, modular construction of warehouses, factories, and commercial buildings. Roll forming machines are essential to producing:

• Large-span roofing panels

• Wall cladding systems

• Steel purlins and girts

• Integrated flashings and trims

PEB firms benefit from machines that can run high volumes with consistent quality to meet demanding project schedules.

UK Regions with High Demand for Roll Forming Machines

Roll forming demand is strong across the UK, with particular concentration in:

• The Midlands (Birmingham, Wolverhampton): Hub for metal fabrication and modular building manufacturing

• Greater London and the South East: Large construction market with high roofing and cladding turnover

• Manchester and the North West: Growing industrial and warehousing sector, plus agricultural building demand

• South West England and Wales: Agricultural structures and light industrial manufacturing

• Scotland (Glasgow, Edinburgh): Infrastructure projects and renewable energy sector components

Knowing your region’s market focus can help you select the right roll forming machine and profile capabilities.

How Machine Matcher Supports UK Industries

At Machine Matcher, we specialise in providing new, custom-built roll forming machines tailored to the needs of UK businesses across all these sectors. Whether you’re producing roofing panels in London or structural purlins in the Midlands, we help you find the perfect machine—delivered, installed, and supported locally.

Get in Touch Today

Want to explore how a roll forming machine can transform your UK business?

Contact Machine Matcher for expert advice and bespoke machine solutions:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +44 (0) 20 3950 2500