Suir Engineering Ltd., a leading European engineering services provider, has announced the acquisition of Taylor & Fraser, a respected Scottish mechanical and electrical (M&E) engineering firm with a 114-year legacy. This acquisition marks a significant step in Suir Engineering’s expansion strategy, strengthening its presence in the UK market following the recent opening of offices in London and Manchester.
Taylor & Fraser, headquartered in Paisley, has been a family-run business for over a century, providing high-quality M&E engineering and construction services to public and private sector clients. The acquisition allows Suir Engineering to leverage Taylor & Fraser’s established reputation and market relationships while enhancing its own service offerings in the UK. Despite the ownership change, Taylor & Fraser will continue to operate under its existing name, and its 180 employees will remain unaffected.
John Kelly, CEO of Suir Engineering, emphasized the strategic value of the acquisition: *“The team brings a wealth of M&E expertise and an outstanding legacy built over generations. Strengthening our footprint in Scotland and the UK allows us to capitalize on market opportunities while maintaining the high standards of excellence that both companies are known for.”*
Suir Engineering, headquartered in Waterford, Ireland, has grown over 40 years into one of Europe’s leading providers of mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation engineering services. The company operates across key sectors, including life sciences, energy, power and renewables, food and beverage, and data centres.
The acquisition supports Suir Engineering’s ambitious growth strategy, as it continues to expand its operations and customer base across the UK and Europe. In 2023, the company reported a turnover of €429 million and is projecting €550 million for 2025, driven by strong market demand and strategic talent acquisition. A significant portion of this growth—approximately €180 million (£150 million)—is expected to come from data centre projects, a key area of expansion for the business.
John Kelly highlighted the increasing demand for data centre infrastructure, stating: *“By the end of 2025, we anticipate that Suir Engineering will be among the top ten M&E contractors in the UK by revenue. The UK presents huge opportunities, particularly in data centres and renewable energy, both of which are critical to the region’s infrastructure development.”*
The UK’s *Great Grid Update*, a major initiative to enhance the nation’s energy infrastructure, presents additional opportunities for Suir Engineering. By acquiring Taylor & Fraser, the company strengthens its ability to participate in large-scale infrastructure projects while reinforcing its position as a leading engineering services provider in Europe.
