ABERDEENSHIRE-based steel and cladding business KR Group has marked its 20th anniversary year with several notable contract wins.
The family business, founded in 2003 as KR Steel, has secured new projects this year including the cladding and fabrication of the new Ford showroom in West Tullos, the cladding, fabrication and erection of a new gin distillery in Turriff, and a contract with Norwegian company Nofitech, working on a Recirculation Aquaculture System (RAS) hatchery on the remote peninsula of Wester Ross in the Highlands.
The company is led by husband and wife team Kenny Robertson (MD) and Nicola Fraser (business director). Kenny shared his motivation for establishing the business: “I’d worked in the steel industry for several years and was passionate about finding ways to do things better and more efficiently. I wanted to create a dynamic business that prioritises investment in people.
“Our team are committed and loyal and have chosen to be part of the KR Group journey and vision. I value their unwavering dedication to completing tasks, even if it entails working away from home or braving adverse weather conditions. Their commendable work ethic is truly appreciated.”
Nicola reflected on the launch of the company 20 years ago: “I’d grown up watching the challenges my dad faced being self-employed, but I was excited about Kenny’s plans; this was his field, his passion, and I knew it was the best thing for him. We are so grateful for the whole team showing up and bringing their A-game every day, pushing forward, and achieving the best we can for our clients and the wider community.”
KR Group works with local schools, colleges, universities, and community groups to share industry knowledge and promote careers in the construction sector. The staff work closely with Developing the Young Workforce Northeast and are ambassadors of the Young Person’s Guarantee.
The business recruited an additional 13 employees in 2023, bringing current headcount to 51. 20% of the workforce are in ‘earn while you learn’ roles which include apprenticeships, traineeships, and graduate placements.
KR Group said the driving force behind the firm’s community initiatives is Nicola, whose passion comes from her previous career within psychology and social work. Nicola decided to encompass youth initiatives into a dedicated division of the business and launched the ‘KRedit Project’ in March. The group’s efforts were recognised in the 2023 Scottish FSB Awards, winning the Community Award.
Throughout this landmark year, the company has fundraised more than £8,000 for the charity Hamish Dear’s Warm Hugs and donated a further £20,000 to other local causes and charities.
KR Group secured multiple ISO accreditations over the course of 2023, and attained EN 1090 Execution Class 3 certification, a European standard that signifies excellence in the field of metal fabrication. The company also takes pride in its status as one of just four FASET (Fall Arrest Safety Equipment Training)-accredited companies in Scotland.
Moving into 2024, KR Group has invested over £500,000 in new machinery which will allow the business to expand its current service offering and continue to grow.
