"Metalworking is the craft and practice of working with metals to create parts of something or structures.......this craft covers a wide range of skills and entails the use of many types of tools."

Metalworking. (2006, October 2). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia.

"Fabrication, when used as an industrial term, applies to the building of machines and structures by cutting, shaping and assembling components made from raw materials. Small businesses that specialize in metal are called fab shops ...... fabrication shops generally concentrate on the metal preparation, welding and assembly aspect...."

Fabrication, (metal) (2006, October 8). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia.

Fabrication of a wrought iron gate.

Roger, putting the finishing touches to a gate before it goes into our treatment shop for special coatings and paintwork.

The Groovy Fab Shop,
fabrications in steel and wrought iron.

or "GFS Metalworks" to give it its better known title

was founded in 2004 by Andrew and Roger.
Long-time friends, they had both moved to the Algarve with the intention of enjoying the beautiful climate, while making the most of their engineering skills.

Sharing similar backgrounds in the UK steel fabrication industry, Andrew has many years experience in both industrial and artistic steel fabrication, while Roger came to the fabrication industry after having served with the Royal Engineers.
Eventually, having worked for the same fabrication company in the UK a friendship was born that ultimately led to a move to the Algarve and the creation of "GFS Metalworks".
The name Groovy Fab Shop is a small play on words, "Groovy" being the term favoured in the 60's and 70's to mean something that was first class, really good, and "Fab Shop" is the accepted abbreviation for a metal fabrication workshop. Those of you who remember those 60/70's times will realise that "Fab" was the groovy way to say fabulous.
However you look at it though, the name fits.
GFS Metalworks, easy to remember and easy to say.
Groovy Fab Shop reflects the standards (first class, fabulous) that Andrew and Roger set for their quality of design and fabrication of steelwork and wrought iron.


Even as a small, relatively new company GFS has made its mark in the Algarve, with many fine examples of their work distributed throughout the region.

Metal fabrication crafstman.

One of our skilled craftsmen at work.


Andrew and Roger have created a team of skilled craftsmen for all aspects of the design and fabrication of their steelwork and any of the processes that they cannot undertake themselves are only given to carefully selected specialists.
A good example would be for the special coatings that are applied to the steel work, before final painting.
Each item is cleaned to perfection before being blasted with vaporised zinc, preventing the formation of rust.
Even in the coastal areas where the moisture in the air is laden with salt, this is the best protection that can be applied..

GFS Metalworks has developed in two main areas.

Grills, Gates and Railings

The first, the original concept, deals with decorative, ornamental security products for both homes and commercial properties. From small window grills to elegant ornate entrances and railings, GFS will design for you, or work with your Architect or Designer to ensure that your steelwork is perfect for your needs. We also offer automation of your gateways and entrances with a wide choice of security and operating methods. Excellent security with beautiful styling to enhance and safeguard your property.

Wrought iron door grill.

We love the challenges of 'Custom Design'
Bring your dreams to reality.

Interior and exterior furnishings and accessories in steel, wrought iron and more exotic metals.

The second area that GFS are deeply involved with is the artistic design, styling and production, of interior and exterior furnishings and accessories made from steel and wrought iron.

The new range of furnishings and accessories incorporates a much wider variety of metals and materials, apart from steel and wrought ironwork, they can include copper, brass, stainless steel etc. coupled with wood, glass, stone and various fabrics.
The furniture can provide that special focal point for a room of any size and of course is designed with comfort in mind. The accessories will help to provide those finishing touches to complement any style of decor.
Choose from our own in house designs or talk to us about creating your own ideas to totally create the unique look that you have always wanted.
Your only limits are your imagination .... traditional elegance or something a little bit more futuristic .... designs in steel and wrought iron have a timeless quality all of their own.