J&D Pierce History

Pierce Through The Years

1975

J & D Pierce (Contracts) Ltd was formed by Jim Pierce, our Chairman & Joint Managing Director. Initially the business operated as a one man operation carrying out light fabrication and blacksmith work from a small workshop attached to the house. The early years were spent as with most new businesses, in an uphill struggle building a customer base and forming good relations with clients.

1982

On leaving school, Derek, his son and Joint Managing Director, joined the Company. Through early success the first workshop of 600 square feet was established. Within two years they had outgrown this and moved to new premises of circa 1,100 square feet.

1985

Three years on and one employee later the company was on the move again to a workshop of 3,600 square feet. The three man workforce was just too small to cope with the work and within the next few years more operatives were employed, a mobile crane was purchased and the company was soon tackling substantial secondary steelwork, site welding and sub contract steel erecting.

Due to a controlled rate of growth employees were carefully selected, all of whom were known beforehand both in character and ability, a practice which remains in place to this day.

1989

Another crossroads was reached when the decision arose whether to stay in the 20-30 tonne fabrication range per week or expand into the larger market. The company expanded.

1993

Having moved into the larger market the business soon outgrew the premises and moved once more within the Garnock Valley to a brown field site and a 6,000 square foot building. This space provided expansion to develop resources and reputation.

Derek was now in the office responsible for managing the contracts from estimate to completion allowing Jim to concentrate on the other internal workings of the company including finance, health and safety; guiding the company to ISO 9000 accreditation.

1995

The first Strucad detailing system was integrated, enhancing accuracy and quality throughout our drawing office and the shop.

1996

Through expansion plans the workshop had grown to 15,000 square feet with approximately 40 employees. The adjacent shot-blast and painting company was acquired giving full control of surface treatments in a new fully modernised 12,000 square foot building.

Also at this time the company purchased two 35 tonne mobile cranes and enhanced the site erection team resource.

1997

A new computerised CNC Cut and Drill line was installed which is linked directly to the drawing office. The first brand new mobile crane was purchased.

1998

Investment in articulated vehicles and trailers was combined with the launch of a Haulage Division allowing more efficient movement of materials.

1999

Witnessed the purchase of the current 9.5 acre site offering the scope to expand to meet targeted strategic goals.

2000

To increase efficiency on site, six new Manlift Extendable Working Platforms (MEWPs) were purchased. A Heath and Safety Division was formed supporting the growing site and shop operations. By now the workforce had risen to 90.

2003

With production well in excess of 150 tonnes per week and quality control paramount the next investment was focused on a computerised bar coding system thus ensuring traceability throughout the entire manufacturing process. A StruMIS management system was integrated to track all steelwork throughout the drawing and manufacturing process and to facilitate the control and purchasing of materials.

2004

With health and safety at the fore front the business opened a new Training Centre which is CITB/IPAF approved and an SQA accredited provider. This caters not only for our own needs but that of external clients who include BP, BNFL, BAE and many others in the mining, utilities and engineering sectors.

2005

As the company expanded and the number of employees grew in excess of 120, new offices and canteen facilities were built. 2006 Investment in a further six new MEWPs and a new 50 tonne all terrain crane complimented the existing fleet all of which are fully liveried, offering clients a professional and up to date plant resource.

2006/7

A £1.5million investment was concluded extending the current premises to 100,000 square feet manufacturing and 20,000 square feet paint shop. The Installation of two new Cut and Drill lines, a Robotic Coping line and Profiler ensures the facility is of the most modern in the UK and J&D Pierce the foremost structural steel company in Scotland.

2008

Moving forward with a dedicated workforce of around 150 employees, 6 modern mobile cranes and a fleet of new MEWPs the business is proud of the clients and resources available. The operations are now one of the most modern fabrication facilities in the UK. We intend to continue providing a high level of service and product quality.

2009

Currently the business is in the process of attaining ISO14001 and 18001 which when achieved will provide clients with a fully integrated Quality, Health, Safety and Environmental system. The business will continue to operate with a client focused ethos, listening and developing the best solutions for our clients needs. Incorporated into our client focus will be a fully integrated system known as the Business Management Systems Manual, (BMSM PAS 99).