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What is Steel Fabrication? Breaking Down the Process Behind the Build

August 31, 2025

When most people see a steel structure rising on site, they often assume that’s where the majority of the work happens. But in reality, that’s just the final stage in a much longer journey. At Jensen Steel Fabricators, we know the preparation and work involved leads to the actual installation process and that first beam being bolted into place.

Steel fabrication is a multi-step process that transforms steel straight from the mills, into the strong, precise structural components that support buildings, bridges, and infrastructure across New Zealand. And while construction sites are the most visible part of the operation, only about 25% of the entire steel construction process happens on site. The other 75%, That’s handled right here at our purpose-built facility in Mt Maunganui.

The Full Fabrication Journey

Here’s a look at what really goes into steel fabrication before anything arrives at site:

  1. Detailing - Every project starts with steel detailing - the creation of 3D models and detailed shop drawings that show exactly how each component should be fabricated and assembled. Our in-house detailing team use Tekla Detailing Software. This stage is crucial as even the smallest error can have flow-on effects throughout a build.
  2. Fabrication - Once the drawings are finalised, fabrication begins. This is where raw steel is cut, drilled, welded, and assembled into the structural components specified in the detailing phase. At Jensen Steel, we’ve invested heavily in modern CNC machinery and fabrication technology (including Daito Beamline Machine Solution and Robot - Daito DCM 1100), allowing us to efficiently process and cut materials. Our ISO 3834 accredited quality systems guide the fabrication and welding processes.
  3. Painting and Protective Coating - Depending on the project requirements, the fabricated steel will undergo certain blast and paint treatments to ensure durability, corrosion resistance. Our in-house blasting and painting facility allows us to maintain control over quality and timeframes.
  4. Quality Assurance - Quality is never an afterthought. Every stage of fabrication is backed by robust quality systems, with inspections and testing carried out throughout the process. We’re proud to hold SFC certification and operate within strict tolerances, ensuring our steel meets all industry standards.  We hold the international ISO Standard 3834 Part 2: ‘Quality Requirements for Welding’, and are certified to the highest category, Construction Category 4.  Our entire QA system is based on the requirements of this ISO standard. We  operate using key systems which are critical for us to deliver a quality solution, on time, every time. These systems include StruM.I.S. Project Management System, Tekla Structure Software and Conqa a site checking tool. For more details on our Quality Control click here
  5. Delivery and Installation - Only once all that’s complete does the steel head to site and even that part is handled by Jensen. We own and operate our own fleet of trucks, trailers, cranes, and access equipment, meaning we control the logistics from workshop to installation. That gives our clients peace of mind and helps us keep projects on schedule.

Long-Term Investment to Deliver Consistent Quality

We invest in the people, plant, and technology that drive our success. From our CNC technology, facilities and fleet of cranes and access equipment, we’re continuously evolving to stay ahead of industry demands. Our team is trained, certified, and backed by a company culture focused on health, safety, wellbeing and ongoing development.

“Steel fabrication is about precision, planning, and teamwork. The steel fabrication process is just that, a process, and everyone plays an important role to ensure we deliver exceptional quality to our clients, every time. Everything we do before we reach site, really does set the foundation for a successful project.” Ben Jensen, Financial Manager

Our Location

Being based in Mt Maunganui  means we’re positioned within the ‘Golden Triangle’, being able to service Tauranga, Hamilton, Auckland easily, and we’re well placed to serve the North Island efficiently too.  With close access to the Port of Tauranga, main highways, and rail links, we’re set up to deliver on time, every time which helps us achieve the end-to-end fabrication process.

Want to know more about how we bring steel structures to life?

Get in touch with the Jensen Steel team or explore our project gallery to see our work in action.

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