O’Rourke purchases specialist concrete business

Construction giant Laing O’Rourke has bought a firm specialising in the provision of a distinctive type of reinforced concrete. The move has led to a transfer of nearly 40 personnel.

Talking about the acquisition of Sheffield-based GRCUK, Laing O’Rourke head of manufacturing Russell Kellett said:

“The addition of GRCUK is a step forward in our Design for Manufacture and Assembly approach, giving Laing O’Rourke a well structured and financed organisation that is positioned strongly in the UK market to secure a large proportion of the GRC-specified work currently being tendered and awarded.”

The glass reinforced material produced by Laing O’Rourke in the future is likely to be used for cladding on significant projects. Some of the new buildings that feature the cladding will no doubt also benefit from concrete flooring.

Kellett has expressed confidence in the prospects of his company. He has asserted that it has the economic strength to make the most of the potential of its acquisition. In addition, he has praised the qualities of the operation that has been taken over.

He explained that GRCUK was seen as a suitable target by Laing O’Rourke because of its established and proven record, its strong order book and its highly accessible location.

In the past, GRCUK had concentrated its activities on the sector responsible for housing construction. However, the organisation had reoriented itself to meet demand coming from elsewhere in the construction industry. This shift may have played a part in influencing the final decision of Laing O’Rourke.