Prior to commencing cladding works on a large scale new infrastructure project, logistical planning and appropriate plant selection are imperative.

In addition to the usual preparation of developing and agreeing Safe Systems of Work, we convened a project specific in- house training day at our East Kilbride Training Centre. This was attended by our cladding foremen and installers, Managers and Detailers, as well as representatives of the panel system manufacturer and the Main Contractor.

Part of the presentation day related to the safe unloading and storage of panels. In this instance we will be installing 175mm thick trapezoidal rockwool core panels, which have been transported all the way from a production facility in Belgium.

With the laydown area clearly cordoned off, and the ground conditions prepared and levelled, our trained and qualified plant operatives unloaded the vehicles and stored the panels adjacent to the workface in the recommended manner.

With a Banksman in attendance, and a Field Engineer from the system manufacturer also observing operations, we utilised spreader forks extension to ensure the pack weight was fully supported during the operation.

We are now ready to commence our installation works, in the knowledge that our roof and cladding panels are all in pristine condition.

J&D Pierce (Contracts) Ltd are delighted to announce some management structure changes to the business from January 2026.

Andrew Caldwell who has been with the business for 29 years with his current role as Board Director has decided to retire at Christmas. Andy worked his way through from Surveyor, Estimating Manager through to Board Director and has been a great asset to the business. We wish him a long and happy retirement.

Alan Hawkins will be appointed to the role of Director as Andys replacement. He has been in the structural steel industry his entire career and worked through various roles. He currently heads our Estimating Department within the business and is a well deserved appointment.

We are also delighted to announce that Derek Pierce will step down as Managing Director and take the role of Chairman within the business. Derek has led the business from the front for over 20 years and has elevated it to one of the top Structural Steelwork Contractors in the UK. Derek will have full involvement on a day to day basis giving guidance and advice to the new management team on leading the business forward and elevating to the next level.

The role of Managing Director within the business will obviously now become available. To allow the duties of this role to be undertaken and fulfil the demands of the position, we have decided to appoint joint Managing Directors, each being responsible for specific areas of the business. This will allow better visibility and control throughout all divisions within the group.

The persons appointed as joint Managing Directors are Dave Ryan and Jamie Pierce.

Dave Ryan started his career on the tools as a fabricator and worked his way into estimating. He joined our business 14 years ago in the Estimating Department working his way to Division Manager for our Strubeam business.

Jamie Pierce started his career with the business 15 years ago as an apprentice fabricator/welder. He moved onto site operations undertaking onsite variations, he then moved onto site engineering before moving to a site management role. After 8 years of being site based he was appointed as Operations Manager within the group headquarters in Ayrshire. He was then promoted to Operations Director two years ago.

We would like to congratulate everyone above on their new roles within the business. We look forward to the fresh energy and innovation this young, very experienced team will bring.

This year marks a major milestone for J&D Pierce as we proudly celebrate our 50th anniversary. To commemorate this achievement, we’re delighted to unveil our brand-new DAF Lorry — a striking symbol of how far we’ve come as a company.

The lorry features a stunning custom design that captures the evolution of J&D Pierce through the decades, highlighting our growth, our people, and the projects that have shaped our success. The incredible artwork was created by the talented Scott Airbrushwork, who travelled all the way from Yorkshire to complete this exceptional piece. His craftsmanship and attention to detail have resulted in a truly unique vehicle that celebrates both our heritage and our continued drive for excellence.

The new DAF Lorry will be hitting the road across the country, proudly carrying our 50th anniversary branding wherever it goes. It stands not only as a testament to our history but also as a reminder of our commitment to innovation, quality, and the strong relationships we’ve built over the years.

Keep an eye out for 50JDP on the road — a moving tribute to 50 years of J&D Pierce!

At J&D Pierce, Training the Future isn’t just a phrase — it’s the foundation of who we are.

From our fabrication and welding shops, where new talent learns their craft in our Training & Development Academy, to our on-site teams mastering steel erection, and our office-based apprentices developing skills in detailing and design — we’re proud to see the next generation of industry professionals growing right here within our business.

We currently have over 50 apprentices across J&D Pierce — some just beginning their journey, and many who have gone on to achieve incredible milestones. From those celebrating their first year of learning, to others marking 5, 10, 20, and even over 30 years since starting as trainees, each milestone represents growth, commitment, and opportunity.

Our continued investment in people — not only financially, but through time, mentorship, and shared experience — is one of the key reasons behind our long-term success. It’s this approach that helps us build more than just great structures; it builds the future of our business and our industry.

Here’s to all our trainees, apprentices, and mentors — the people who make J&D Pierce what it is today, and what it will be tomorrow.

Current Apprentices: Alex Gray, Alex Rose, Callum McGinley, Cameron Deans, Cameron Downie, Cameron Russell, Euan Mckinley, Graeme Callaghan, Jack Gilles, Jacob Adamson, John Boyd, Kyle Keddie, Lewis Edgar, Lewis Holburn, Lewis Thomson, Mason Wales, Owen Hughes, Reece Steven, Robert Kerr, Robi Young, Ross Muirhead, Ryan Harrison, Sean Seaton, Thomas Connick & Zach Howarth.

Drawing Office Apprentices: Kyle, Billy, Ryan & Fraser

North Ayrshire Council Press Release:

Local Business and Council Unite to Support Challenge Poverty Week 2025

A family-run business in the Garnock Valley has pledged its support for Challenge Poverty Week 2025 and is calling on employers across Ayrshire to continue investing in local communities.

North Ayrshire Council is also proudly backing the initiative once again, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to supporting residents through challenging times.

Challenge Poverty Week (October 6 to 12) highlights the reality of poverty and explores practical ways to improve life for people who are struggling to make ends meet.

Organised by The Poverty Alliance, the week of events and awareness raising activities encourages communities to come together, support one another and inspire positive change in attitudes towards poverty.

This marks the tenth consecutive year the Council has demonstrated its support, with this year’s activities focusing on the following themes:

• Social security – building a foundation for a better life
• Better jobs, pay, hours, conditions and worker voice
• Better investment in life’s essentials
• Better investment in our communities and
• Warm homes, green travel and safe climate with time for reflection on Saturday and Sunday.

J&D Pierce, a structural steelwork contractor based in Glengarnock, is a Living Wage employer.

For the past 20 years, the company has recruited new apprentices and provided training to equip these apprentices with the skills needed for a career in the business.

Director Andrew Caldwell explained: “We pay the Living Wage as a minimum, and this helps us to recruit and – more importantly – retain staff.

“Our training academy was set up 20 years ago. Through this, we bring in entry-level labourers, and many of them want to progress within the business.

“So, we put them on a six-month training scheme, where they are mentored by time-served welders and fabricators, and they become either a fully-qualified welder or plater. This gives people a chance to further their career and earn a better wage.”

Between eight and ten apprentices are recruited every year, and the firm currently has in the region of 52 apprentices across the business.

Funding support from the Council over the years has helped the company to train local apprentices and other staff.

“It is very important for us, as a business, to reduce poverty locally. Hopefully, other companies within the Ayrshire region would also look at creating opportunities for people who are unemployed. This would dramatically help to reduce the numbers of people living in poverty,” added Mr Caldwell.

Here in North Ayrshire, throughout Challenge Poverty Week, the Council’s social media channels will be used to highlight a range of activities and services.

The Council’s top priorities include reducing child poverty and supporting residents through the ongoing Cost-of-living Crisis.

Council Leader Marie Burns said: “I believe that employers across Ayrshire have a responsibility to implement Fair Work principles, to look after their staff and pay them enough to have a decent standard of living.

“The company’s approach to employing and retaining staff is a great example of the Community Wealth Building economic model. This sees wealth being retained in North Ayrshire thanks to the Council and partners increasing employment and using local produce and resources – and it is at the heart of our continuing drive to improve life for residents.

“It is vital that responsible local employers, such as J&D Pierce, employ people from their community where possible and help residents get back to work and gain new skills.”

Existing financial support available through the Council includes: Crisis and Community Care Grants; free school meals and clothing grants; Council Tax reduction and Discretionary Housing Payment.

If you – or someone you now –  needs help with Cost-of-Living support, please visit the Council’s dedicated webpage at Help with the cost of living

You can find out more about the work of the Poverty Alliance here: Challenge Poverty Week – The Poverty Alliance

Follow the Council’s social media channels, using #ChallengePoverty and #CPW25, to find out more.

We recently celebrated our 50th Anniversary in style with a spectacular evening at the Hilton Glasgow Ballroom in June. The milestone event brought together employees past and present to honour five decades of hard work, growth, and success. Guests enjoyed a sparkling drinks reception, followed by a delicious three-course dinner, employee recognition awards, and top-tier entertainment that kept the celebrations going into the night.

It was a fitting tribute to the incredible dedication, talent, and passion that have shaped J&D Pierce into one of the UK’s leading structural steelwork specialists. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, memories, and pride as we reflected on our journey and looked ahead to a bright future.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who joined us and helped make the night so special.

We’re proud to share the latest progress from our ongoing work at the Elixir Distillers project on the beautiful Isle of Islay. This bespoke new-build distillery is nearing completion, and key elements of the installation are now in place. The Kingspan KS1000RW roof panels have been successfully installed at a 40° pitch using the Cladboy vacuum lifter and JDP GMK3060L crane, ensuring a precise and efficient fit. Meanwhile, the Kingspan K-Roc Karrier panel system has been fitted to the building’s elevations to support an external render system, with the help of the Cladboy and Roto 360 telehandler.

Additional highlights include the installation of anodized copper-effect rainscreen panels and anodized Kingfisher louvres, both adding striking visual and functional elements to the exterior. McKenzie Martin Kenstack roof vents have been integrated to support ventilation requirements, and their bespoke turret louvres have been installed on the unique kiln rooftop. As we enter the final stages of this prestigious project, our team is focused on completing the rainscreen and louvre works, bringing this iconic distillery on the Islay coastline ever closer to completion.

The first section of the new Clifton Bridge has officially begun its journey to the construction site just south of Penrith. This major infrastructure project is a vital replacement for the West Coast Main Line bridge spanning the M6 motorway. The initial delivery – the East Pier Box – is an engineering feat in itself, measuring 21.2 metres long, 4.1 metres wide, and 3.15 metres high, and tipping the scales at a massive 84 tonnes.

This marks the first of ten major loads scheduled over the next five weeks. The coming deliveries will include the heaviest component also at 84 tonnes, and the longest reaching an impressive 38 metres. Stay tuned for more updates as the project progresses and this essential bridge takes shape.