Fab shops (fabrication shops) are manufacturing facilities equipped and staffed to produce fabricated metal products including pressure vessels, structural steel, piping assemblies, and process equipment. These shops combine welding, machining, forming, and assembly capabilities to transform raw materials into finished equipment.

Shop capabilities vary widely based on equipment, certifications, and specializations. Code shops hold ASME certification for pressure vessel fabrication and maintain quality systems for code-compliant manufacturing. Specialized shops may focus on particular industries (oil and gas, power generation), materials (stainless steel, exotic alloys), or product types (heat exchangers, towers).

Modern fab shops integrate traditional fabrication skills with advanced technologies: CNC machining centers, automated welding systems, 3D modeling for fabrication planning, and digital quality documentation. Shop layout, material handling systems, and workflow design all impact productivity and quality.