HISTORY
Since its foundation in 1973 Pyeroy has risen from relatively modest beginnings to become one of the foremost industrial services groups in the UK.
Originally established by Bob Thompson as a protective coatings contracting company with strong connections to the North East shipyards, Pyeroy has grown into a large multi discipline industrial services group with an annual turnover approaching £75 million and a workforce of 1,200.
During the early years of its existence Pyeroy expanded into construction and its painting work diversified into offshore work and other industrial contracts.
The main period of growth for the company began in the mid-1990s. The closure of key North East shipyards prompted Pyeroy to establish other marine industry work and led to the development of a permanent presence at the Rosyth naval dockyard. Specialist scaffolding and asbestos handling divisions were established alongside an expansion of industrial painting work with some notable bridge painting contracts awarded.
The start of the new millennium was marked by Pyeroy securing the multi-discipline contract for painting, scaffolding, cleaning and insulation work on HMS Ark Royal – the first of three aircraft carrier re-fits won over a four year period from Babcock with HMS Invincible and HMS Illustrious quickly following.
The last ten years has seen the growth and expansion continue leading to the wide range of multi-discipline industrial services now provided by Pyeroy.
Contracts have been won for the refurbishment of landmark bridges including the Forth Rail Bridge and Tower Bridge. Significant inroads have been made in the process and energy sectors with maintenance and support services work now being provided to major petrochemical and power plants in the UK and Ireland. Continuing involvement in the defence industry has led to several significant Royal Navy refit contracts.
However, Pyeroy’s most recent history is marked by its involvement in the joint venture company Ship Support Services, alongside Cape Industrial Services Limited. The joint venture company was recently awarded a multi-million pound contract to provide access and specialist coatings services for the Royal Navy’s new generation of aircraft carriers – requiring the establishment of specialist Pyeroy project teams at all the UK dockyards and shipyards involved in the fabrication of the carrier modules.
Under the terms of the agreement Cape Industrial Services Limited will be providing multi user access services, with Pyeroy Limited undertaking blasting, specialist containment and coatings application, for what will be the largest and most powerful warships ever to set sail for the Royal Navy.
As a result Pyeroy today bears little resemblance to the company that started out nearly 40 years previously. Consistent investment in technical expertise, equipment and personnel has contributed to the development of a highly successful multi-discipline support services group, with a network of regional offices involved in some of the country’s most prestigious infrastructure, marine and industrial structures and projects.