Irish engineering firm Suir Engineering has acquired Taylor & Fraser, a Scottish mechanical and electrical (M&E) business, as part of its expansion into the UK market.
The deal follows Suir Engineering’s recent opening of offices in London and Manchester, strengthening its local presence. Taylor & Fraser, based in Paisley, will continue operating under its existing name, with no changes to its 180-strong workforce.
Expansion in the UK market
Suir Engineering, headquartered in Waterford, reported a turnover of €429 million in 2023 and is forecasting €550 million for 2025. The acquisition is part of its growth strategy, with a focus on data centers and renewable energy—two of its four core sectors.
John Kelly, Suir Engineering’s CEO, said the move positions the company to become one of the UK’s top ten M&E contractors by revenue by the end of 2025. “The UK presents huge opportunities in data centers and energy, power and renewables,” he said. “It’s one of the biggest data center territories in Europe.”
The UK government’s designation of data centers as critical national infrastructure has further emphasized their economic importance, generating billions in annual revenue.
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Suir Engineering’s growth is also driven by a strong project pipeline and a strategic talent acquisition programme. The company operates across Europe, with offices in Ireland, the UK, Sweden, Denmark, and Germany.
A family business joins a larger group
Taylor & Fraser, a family-run business for 114 years, serves both public and private sector clients. Scott Taylor, the company’s director, said the acquisition would ensure continuity while securing its long-term future.
“We are extremely proud of our heritage, which has stood us in good stead for 114 years,” Taylor said. “Our clients expect the highest standard of service, and we know that operating within the Suir Engineering group will give them confidence that quality will be maintained.”
Suir Engineering was acquired in 2022 by private equity group Duke Street, which bought it from Dalkia and EDF Energy. The company operates in four core sectors: life sciences, energy, power and renewables, food and beverage, and data centres.
Kelly said the company’s expansion plans remain ambitious, with further growth expected in key UK regions. The deal with Taylor & Fraser, he added, combined local expertise with a larger operational footprint.
