'New opportunities for growth, innovation, and enhanced service delivery for our clients': Northern Ireland engineering firm acquires UK-based inspection business in major expansion deal
WH Scott Group buys Workplace Inspection Services, bringing it into its Metlab division as part of its continued growth in the compliance and safety sector.
Northern Ireland engineering group WH Scott Group has acquired Workplace Inspection Services in an undisclosed deal, as part of its continued expansion in the industrial inspection and compliance sector.
The acquisition sees the UK-based engineering inspection business integrated into WH Scott Group’s Metlab division, strengthening its compliance, safety and technical inspection offering across the UK and Ireland.
Based in Mallusk and operating in lifting and engineering since 1897, WH Scott Group is backed by investment partner Renatus Capital. The group said the acquisition represents a key milestone for its Metlab business unit and will support continued growth.
Chief executive Patrick Doyle said: "Over the last 15 years, Huw and his team have built Workplace Inspection Services into the impressive company we see today. We welcome them into the group and look forward to working with them to build on their success.
"This is also a major milestone in the Metlab success story and I believe the synergy of both companies will develop new opportunities for growth, innovation and enhanced service delivery for our clients."
Workplace Inspection Services was founded in 2011 by Huw Davies and is based in Pontyclun, South Wales. The company provides engineering inspection services focused on compliance with health and safety regulations across regulated industries, including LOLER, PUWER, PSSR and COSHH inspections.
Following the sale, Mr Davies said he had “great confidence” in the company’s future under its new ownership, describing the deal as the “right next step” for staff, customers and the wider business.
He continued: “I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved as a team. I firmly believe that joining the WH Scott Group is the right next step for the business, our customers, and our employees. Their values, expertise, and long-term vision align closely with our own, giving me great confidence in the future.
"I would like to thank our dedicated team and loyal customers who have supported us throughout this journey. I am excited to see the company continue to grow and thrive under new ownership, and I look forward to watching the next chapter unfold with the added strength and opportunities this partnership will bring.”
Adam Gilbert and Jamie Carrick of AG Corporate Law provided legal support throughout the transaction.
"I’m delighted that the deal has reached a successful conclusion and I wish all the very best to Huw and everyone at Workplace Inspection Services and WH Scott Group for a highly successful collaboration going forwards," added Luke Rae.
Advisers on the transaction included KBS Corporate Deal Executive, with legal support provided throughout the process.