New machinery and landmark contracts fuel Arkoni’s mission for compliant, high-quality metalwork
Based in West Yorkshire, Arkoni Ltd (Arkoni) has grown rapidly since its founding in 1991 and is now one of the UK’s most prominent metalworking companies. With 26 years of experience in designing, manufacturing and installing practical metalwork solutions, including fire-rated windows and doors, Arkoni continues to expand and has some exciting projects in the pipeline.
Last year, the Manufacturing Today team spoke with Managing Director, Lee O’Donnell who told us about Arkoni’s involvement in the world’s first iron-framed building, Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings. This specialist project saw Arkoni manufacture 111 state-of-the-art thermally broken steel windows to replicate the original window style, while preserving its history and offering strength, security, elegance, insulation and protection from damaging ultraviolet light. He also previously mentioned a collaboration with repeat client Aldi UK, with plans to supply and install internal fire-rated door sets for Aldi’s expansive new distribution center in Leicestershire, England.
MT recently caught up with Lee, who revealed more about the company’s developments: “We completed the Aldi UK project, and we now have three more innovative projects on our books. We’re carrying out a project with Gilbert Ash, the main contractor working on the reimagining of the Tate Liverpool gallery on the Royal Albert Dock – that’s huge and it’s currently in the design phase. We were appointed to deliver steel heritage-style windows for the redevelopment of the gallery, which is housed in a former 19th-century warehouse and closed in 2023 to begin a comprehensive overhaul. The transformation aims to reimagine the gallery for the 21st century: exposing original brickwork, reconfiguring galleries, adding light and riverside views, and creating new public ‘Art Hall’, café and social spaces. Our expertise means we can deliver high-quality steel glazing that respects the building’s heritage character while meeting modern performance standards – including structural integrity, glazing spans, thermal performance, and aesthetic subtlety.
“We’ve also partnered with one of our valued clients, the Warwick Group, delivering specialist pressed metalwork for the V&A Museum in Stratford. While our core focus is designing and manufacturing steel fire-rated glazing systems, we’re able to offer a much broader range of metalwork – even if we don’t actively market it yet.
“Our third major venture is a curtain-wall project at London Road Fire Station in Manchester. These three significant projects are all underway, and it’s an incredibly exciting time for us.”
Alongside its active projects, Arkoni has also invested in new CNC machinery – a move that Lee says has expanded the company’s capacity, accuracy, and overall quality. “It has also helped bridge the national skills gap. We were struggling to find people with that specific expertise,” he explains. “Fortunately, we have apprentices here, and the new equipment is creating opportunities for them as well. Previously, their work was focused mainly on welding, but now they’re learning to program the machines, which introduces a completely new learning curve.”
This investment positions Arkoni for long-term growth and enables the business to take on larger, more complex projects. “Before, there was a bottleneck in material preparation because we had reached our absolute limit. The new machinery eliminates those bottlenecks much more quickly. It’s far more accurate, there’s significantly less room for error, and we’re now programming using computers instead of relying solely on manual dexterity,” Lee adds. 
As an ISO 14001-certified company, Arkoni is continually working to enhance its sustainability efforts and strengthen its environmental responsibility. “We’re currently running an internal campaign to explore more sustainable packaging options, and we’ve also introduced electric vehicles and solar panels into the business,” Lee explains. “Additionally, we work closely with our system houses, Forster and Schuco, which supply the profiles we use, to try achieving closed loop recycling where possible.”
Looking ahead to 2026, Arkoni is focused on strengthening its core values of compliance, quality, standards and service. “When it comes to compliance, we’re fully committed to meeting all regulations, laws, and ethical standards within the fire industry,” Lee explains. “It’s become a major challenge, particularly in the wake of the Grenfell tragedy, and it’s absolutely crucial. Unfortunately, there are still companies not complying, which is really disappointing. We’re here to do things properly, ensure our products are right, and guarantee full compliance.”
Arkoni is now a member of the Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP), an organization dedicated to promoting compliant fire solutions and helping the industry tackle rogue contractors. “The ASFP is bringing reputable companies together and spreading that message,” Lee adds.
“Our second core value is quality,” he continues. “We’re delivering products and services to meet the highest standards of excellence, maintaining consistency, best practices and benchmarks that ensure trust and reliability in the industry. Finally, with service, we’re prioritizing our customers and providing reliable responsive support. All these values go hand in hand and align effectively with each other. We just want to ensure complete responsibility within the industry, and I want the company to be making an impact for as long as possible.”