Suir Engineering Achieves Record Profit as Growth Accelerates Across Irish and UK Markets
Waterford-headquartered Suir Engineering recorded a 56% increase in operating profit in 2024, making it the most successful year in the company’s 41-year history — and underscoring the South East’s growing reputation as a base for internationally competitive engineering and construction excellence.
The company, which employs over 1,600 people, continues to anchor its strategic operations in the South East while expanding its international footprint. CEO John Kelly has forecasted a further 20%+ increase in turnover over the next 18 months, driven by a “robust pipeline of activity and strong demand in high-growth sectors such as data centres, renewable energy, life sciences and advanced manufacturing.”
In a major milestone for its international growth, Suir completed the acquisition of Taylor & Fraser, a mechanical and electrical engineering firm based in Scotland, enhancing its UK capabilities and expanding its service offering. This move was complemented by the opening of new offices in London and Manchester, extending Suir’s reach in key UK regions.
John Kelly, said,
The move supports Suir Engineering’s growing UK customer base and positions the company to capitalise on multi-billion-pound pipeline opportunities in high-growth sectors such as data centres, energy, power and renewables, life sciences, food and beverage and semiconductors.
With operations now spanning eight international markets — including Germany, Sweden, Denmark and Finland — Suir continues to emphasise the importance of its Irish base.
Mr Kelly confirmed that despite its expanding European footprint, its home operations remain central to the business:
We are already looking at a multi-million Euro order book for 2025, with pipeline opportunities in excess of €4bn over the next two years, representing the largest concentration of opportunities the company has ever experienced.
2024 was one of Suir Engineering’s most prolific, marked by several milestones including acquisitions and launches.
Among those milestones was the establishment of a new Apprentice Centre of Excellence in Dublin. The facility combines classroom and workstation learning and is supported by a full-time trainer and mentor to guide apprentices throughout their four-year development journey.
There is a skills shortage in Ireland and across Europe, and an urgent need for more highly skilled and trained workers.
Apprentices are the lifeblood of our sector, and at any one time we could have up to 400 apprentices in the business. Our goal is to ensure that they receive optimum training to help them reach their full potential.
