Taylor & Fraser, a mechanical & electrical engineering business operating in Scotland for more than 100 years, has been sold by after its 86-year-old owner decided it was time to take a step back.

Scott Taylor is the third generation owner of the family-run Paisley company which has been acquired by one of Europe’s fastest-growing engineering services providers for an undisclosed sum.

Ireland-based Suir Engineering is a 1600-employee company with a 2023 turnover of €429m. It expects that to rise to €550m this year, driven by the acquisition of 118-year-old Taylor & Fraser. In 2022 it was acquired by private equity group, Duke Street, from Dalkia and EDF Energy.

The Scottish company will continue to operate under its existing name and there will be no impact on the 180 employees. The deal follows the recent launch of Suir Engineering’s first UK offices in London and Manchester.

Mr Taylor said it will ensure Taylor & Fraser “remains at the heart of providing mechanical and electrical engineering services in the UK for generations to come.”

John Kelly, CEO of Suir Engineering, said: “The acquisition of Taylor & Fraser is part of our ambitious growth strategy.

“The team brings with it a wealth of mechanical and electrical engineering (M&E) expertise, and an outstanding legacy built over three generations of this highly regarded family business.

“The acquisition strengthens our presence in Scotland and across the UK, allowing us to build on established local market relationships while providing a platform for future growth. 

“We now have a UK presence at three key locations and have further plans for expansion in line with the multi-billion pound market demand that we are seeing in our sector.”