Custom Fabrication of Industrial Skids & Base Plates
Moving large-scale industrial equipment, heavy machinery, and other critical equipment safely and efficiently between facilities or remote sites requires a strong and supportive foundation. Safely moving this critical machinery with custom skids and base plates provides the strength and mobility needed to ship, install, and operate equipment without damage or delay. The custom fabrication services required to build industrial skids and base plates necessitate a manufacturer with extensive equipment capacity and heavy-lifting capabilities to move robust weldments and heavy steel plates with precise accuracy.
Custom Engineering, an ISO 9001-certified manufacturer, specializes in the fabrication of industrial skids and base plates for demanding environments and manufacturing sectors. With extensive in-house certified welding, supplemental machining, and expert assembly capabilities, Custom Engineering ensures that every component meets detailed customer specifications and performance standards. From oil and gas to chemical processing and heavy manufacturing, our team delivers high-quality fabrication solutions to protect critical equipment.
Why Custom Fabrication of Industrial Skids & Base Plates Matters
Industrial equipment can weigh tens of thousands of pounds and is notoriously challenging to manipulate, whether transporting thousands of miles to a new facility or just across a shop floor. Slight misalignments, vibrations, or jostling during transit can result in costly downtime or repairs that hamstring production. A well-built custom skid or base plate is essential in these scenarios to protect and stabilize the machinery or equipment it encases or supports. Custom Engineering is not only experienced in protecting industrial equipment for clients, but maintains an extensive collection of large production machinery and understands the intricate details required to ensure safe transport. Our fabrication services are optimized to handle the unique stresses, equipment footprints, and even compliance requirements of your equipment and industry.
Customers who work with Custom Engineering can expect the following benefits when opting for a premium fabricated industrial skid or base plate.
- Faster Installation Times & Setup: Prefabricated skids allow entire systems to be assembled and tested before delivery. When they arrive at your facility, they can be quickly positioned and connected, minimizing installation time and field labor.
- Overcoming Facility Space Limitations: Many plants and facilities have tight layouts or overhead restrictions. Custom-fabricated base plates and skids make it possible to move large systems through narrow aisles or confined areas with precision and safety.
- Industry/Equipment Compliance: For industries like oil and gas, chemical processing, or pharmaceuticals, skids and base plates must comply with strict codes and standards. Custom Engineering’s ASME U and R Stamps ensure every weld, vessel, and pressure-bearing component is fabricated to the highest safety and quality levels.
- Easy Integration with Process Systems: Custom-fabricated skids support pumps, tanks, piping, condensers, and instrumentation as part of larger process systems. By ensuring precise hole patterns, mounting points, and weight distribution, Custom Engineering makes sure your equipment integrates seamlessly once on-site.
- Enhanced Safety & Durability: Skids and base plates are often handled by cranes, forklifts, or other lifting devices. Custom Engineering incorporates lifting lugs, reinforced corners, and structural stiffeners to ensure safe mobility during transport and installation.
Case Study: Fabricating a Gas Conditioning Skid for a Remote Oil Mining Site
An expansive oil and gas mining operation in the remote reaches of North Dakota needed a rugged and fully-integrated fuel gas conditioning skid to support the startup of a new compressor station critical to expanding production to meet demands. The client faced an aggressive timeline and limited on-site fabrication resources due to harsh weather and accessibility issues, making it impractical to build the system on-site.
The Challenge
The system had to operate in freezing temperatures, handle high-pressure natural gas safely, and comply with API and ASME standards. It also needed to fit a standard flatbed truck for shipping and be ready for immediate connection upon arrival.
The Solution
Custom Engineering’s fabrication team collaborated with the client’s engineers to manufacture a heavy-duty carbon steel skid built from an existing design and equipped with electric process heaters, ASME-rated vessels, and redundant relief valves. The skid frame was constructed from reinforced carbon steel with integrated lifting lugs for safe transport, while the electric process heaters were enclosed in weatherproof housings to maintain proper gas temperatures and prevent ice buildup during winter operation.
All pressure vessels and piping met ASME standards for safe performance, and the layout of all accessory components was optimized to ensure easy maintenance access within the compact footprint. The entire skid was fabricated and assembled at Custom Engineering’s Pennsylvania facility before shipment to the end location.
The Results
The skid was delivered on schedule and installed within 48 hours of arrival. It performed reliably through sub-zero temperatures, saving the client significant installation time and costs while meeting all safety and performance requirements. The project’s success led to repeat orders for additional skids at other sites.
The success of this project led the client to award Custom Engineering additional contracts for similar skids at other sites throughout the region.
Request A Quote from Custom Engineering
With ISO 9001 certification, an ASME U and R Stamp, and a relentless commitment to quality control, our team ensures that our custom process skid and base plate fabrication services meet the highest standards of safety, performance, and reliability. We’ve successfully delivered solutions for oil and gas, chemical, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, and countless other industries. No matter the environment, the regulations, or the complexity, Custom Engineering has the experience and certifications to get it done right. Reach out today to see how we can help bring your vision to life.
