From precision laser cutting to large-scale structural steel fabrication, contractors and project managers across the Southeast count on a supplier that can deliver custom metalwork — accurately, efficiently, and on schedule. Whether a project calls for heavy gauge components formed to exact tolerances or structural steel cut and welded for construction, automotive, or industrial applications, having the right fabrication partner eliminates costly delays and ensures every piece fits the first time.
Precision Fabrication Backed by Decades of Manufacturing Experience
Metal Roofing Systems has built a reputation since 2001 as more than a metal panel manufacturer. Through its Central Carolina Steel division in Conover, North Carolina, the company offers comprehensive heavy gauge fabrication and structural steel services designed to meet the demands of commercial construction, architectural projects, heavy equipment manufacturing, and beyond. With over 100 employees and manufacturing facilities across the Southeast, the team brings the equipment, expertise, and material inventory to handle projects of virtually any scale — from a single custom bracket to a full production run of fabricated structural components.
What Is Heavy Gauge Fabrication?
Heavy gauge fabrication refers to the cutting, forming, welding, and finishing of thicker metals — typically materials up to ½” thick — that require specialized equipment and skilled operators. Unlike light gauge sheet metal work, heavy gauge processes demand greater force, tighter tolerances, and advanced machinery capable of shaping steel, aluminum, stainless steel, and copper into structural and architectural components. This type of fabrication produces parts that bear significant loads, resist harsh environmental conditions, and perform reliably across demanding applications.
Full-Service Fabrication Capabilities
Every project has unique specifications, and the fabrication team at the Conover facility is equipped to meet them. Capabilities span the full range of metalworking processes, including:
- Laser Cutting: high-precision cuts on steel, aluminum, stainless steel, and copper for clean edges and tight tolerances
- Plasma Cutting: efficient processing of thicker plates and structural shapes for large-scale projects
- Forming and Bending: material bending and forming on steel, aluminum, stainless steel, and copper up to ½” thick
- Shearing: straight-line cuts on sheet and plate metal for fast, accurate material preparation
- Welding: structural and cosmetic welding across multiple material types for strong, lasting joints
- Machining and Drilling: precision hole placement, threading, and surface finishing for components that require exact fit
- Punching and Grinding: efficient material removal and edge preparation for fabricated assemblies
- Saw Cutting: accurate cuts on beams, tube, angle, channel, and bar stock to specified lengths
- Custom Painting and Powder Coating: durable, professional finishes applied in-house to protect against corrosion and meet aesthetic requirements
Structural Steel and Stock Material Inventory
Through the Central Carolina Steel division, Metal Roofing Systems maintains a deep inventory of common and custom structural steel, carbon, aluminum, stainless, rebar, and decking — ready for immediate fabrication or direct supply. Keeping a broad selection of stock material on hand reduces lead times and keeps projects moving forward without unnecessary sourcing delays.
Carbon Steel: CR, HR, HRPO, floor plates, sheeting, plates, channel, beams, angle, flats, rebar, decking, expanded metal, bar grate, square tube, rectangle tube, round tube, DOM, pipe, and round or square CR and HR stock.
Aluminum: Sheeting, plates, treadbrite, 6061, 3003, 5052, channel angle, square tube, rectangle tube, round tube, flats, solid round, solid square, aluminum beams, and pipe.
Stainless Steel: Sheeting, plates, and shapes in 303, 304, and 316 grades.
Special order material is also available upon request for projects that require non-standard alloys, dimensions, or specifications.
Industries and Applications
Heavy gauge fabrication and structural steel services from Metal Roofing Systems support a wide range of sectors. Contractors and project managers across the region rely on the Conover facility for components used in:
- Commercial and Residential Construction: structural framing, brackets, connectors, and load-bearing components fabricated to engineering specifications
- Architectural Projects: custom metal elements including decorative steel, cladding supports, and facade components
- Automotive and Manufacturing: precision-fabricated parts, fixtures, and equipment supports for production environments
- Heavy Equipment and Logging: rugged, high-strength components built to withstand extreme use and demanding field conditions
- Roofing and Building Envelope: custom fabricated gutter hangers, brackets, and specialty accessories available in aluminum, steel, or stainless steel with painted, powder coated, or wrapped finishes
Product Spotlight — Custom Fabricated Gutter Hangers
One of the most requested fabrication items from the Conover facility is custom gutter hangers. Available in aluminum, steel, or stainless steel, these hangers can be painted, powder coated, or wrapped to match project aesthetics. Each hanger is fabricated to the exact dimensions and load requirements of the installation, ensuring long-term performance and a clean, professional appearance.
One of the most requested fabrication items from the Conover facility is custom gutter hangers. Available in aluminum, steel, or stainless steel, these hangers can be painted, powder coated, or wrapped to match project aesthetics. Each hanger is fabricated to the exact dimensions and load requirements of the installation, ensuring long-term performance and a clean, professional appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Heavy Gauge Fabrication and Structural Steel
The team works with steel, aluminum, stainless steel, and copper. Material bending and forming is available on stock up to ½” thick, and special order materials can be sourced upon request for projects with unique specifications.
Metal Roofing Systems is known for quick lead times on both material and fabrication. Turnaround depends on project scope and complexity, but the deep stock inventory and in-house capabilities allow for faster delivery compared to suppliers that outsource fabrication work.
Yes. The facility is equipped for everything from a single custom bracket or connector to high-volume production runs for commercial construction and manufacturing projects.
Custom painting and powder coating are available in-house at the Conover location. These finishes protect fabricated components against corrosion and allow for color matching on architectural and aesthetic applications.
The Central Carolina Steel division maintains a comprehensive inventory of carbon steel, aluminum, and stainless steel in forms including beams, channel, angle, plates, tube, pipe, rebar, decking, and more. A full list of stock material is available by contacting the Conover branch directly.
Heavy gauge fabrication involves thicker materials and requires more powerful equipment for cutting, bending, and welding. The resulting components are designed for structural applications where strength, load capacity, and durability are critical — as opposed to lighter gauge work typically used in decorative or non-load-bearing applications.
Why Choose Metal Roofing Systems for Heavy Gauge Fabrication
Since 2001, Metal Roofing Systems has earned a reputation for quality products, competitive pricing, and customer support that goes beyond what other manufacturers offer. That same commitment extends to every heavy gauge fabrication and structural steel project that comes through the Conover facility.
- Complete In-House Capabilities: laser cutting, forming, welding, machining, finishing, and more under one roof eliminates the need to coordinate between multiple vendors
- Deep Material Inventory: a broad selection of carbon steel, aluminum, and stainless steel stock reduces lead times and keeps projects on schedule
- Custom Fabrication to Your Specifications: every component is built to the exact dimensions, tolerances, and finish requirements of the project
- Quick Lead Times: efficient workflows and on-hand materials allow for faster turnaround than suppliers who rely on outside fabrication
- Experienced Team: skilled fabricators and dedicated sales representatives work closely with contractors and project managers to ensure accuracy from quote to delivery
Get Started with Your Next Fabrication Project in Conover, NC
Whether the project requires precision-cut structural steel, custom heavy gauge components, or specialty fabricated accessories, Metal Roofing Systems has the equipment, materials, and expertise to deliver. Contact the Conover, NC branch at (828) 341-6650 or visit 201 McLin Creek Road N to discuss project specifications, request a quote, or learn more about available fabrication services.