OCU says that the acquisition of Valmech is designed to strengthen its position within the UK鈥檚 energy transition market, enhancing its integrated energy and utilities offering and establishing a platform for district heating delivery.
It also has its eyes on the potential for future international growth.
Based near Sheffield,鈥疺almech鈥疻elding Limited聽was founded in 2016. Its team of 17 staff provides mechanical services including district heating installations, plant rooms, heating and domestic pipework services and gas pipework. Following the acquisition, Valmech will continue to be led by its current management team as part of OCU Group.
OCU chief executive Michael Hughes said:鈥�淏ringing Valmech into OCU Group is a strategic step that strengthens our core capabilities and aligns closely with our values and long-term vision. We are actively laying the foundations to extend these capabilities both across the UK and internationally. This move reinforces our commitment to the communities we serve 鈥� creating employment and supporting affordable energy through high-quality engineering expertise.鈥�
Valmech founder Simon Waller said: 鈥淧artnering with OCU Group opens an exciting new chapter for Valmech. OCU鈥檚 strength in the utilities and energy transformation, along with their commitment to鈥痯eople, safety and innovation, will support our long-term growth and the development of our team. Together, we will be able to offer clients an even more comprehensive service in the UK and, in time,鈥痚xplore new opportunities in international markets.鈥�
Adrian O鈥� Sullivan, managing director of OCU Utilities, added: 鈥淰almech brings a wealth of mechanical and in-house manufacturing experience on district heating networks which, blended with OCU鈥檚 existing civils and pipeline capabilities, will serve as a鈥痜ull value chain platform for further growth鈥痠n the district heating market, enabling OCU to meet rising demand for advanced solutions as the UK invests in modern, low-carbon infrastructure.鈥�
The acquisition brings together鈥痑ligned values鈥痑nd complementary expertise, strengthening OCU Group鈥檚 ability to deliver high-quality outcomes for new and existing clients across a broader range of projects.
Stockport-based OCU, formerly O鈥機onnor Utilities, has made numerous acquisitions since it was taken over from brothers Tim and Tom O鈥機onnor by private equity firm Triton Partners in August 2022. These have included 聽Northern Ireland-based McCormack Drilling Limited, process engineer Purestream Industries and Scottish civil engineering contractor RJ McLeod in the past 18 months.
Got a story? Email news@theconstructionindex.co.uk
