MURFORM is marking 25 years in business this year, with the firm’s Scottish operations hailed as playing a crucial role in the company’s success.
The firm – established in 1999 in Wexford, Ireland by the Murphy brothers with a vision to deliver ‘exceptional’ concrete construction solutions – provides formwork, rebar, concrete, groundworks, and hybrid frame services to a multitude of main contractors across the UK and Ireland.
In the early years, expansion into England marked a significant milestone for the business, but Murform credits its move into Scotland 15 years ago as the catalyst that truly solidified its position as an ‘industry leader in the north’.
Murform contracts manager Kevin Keenan explained, “Our first Scottish project on the M80 motorway was a major stepping stone, and to support it, the business established a hub in Livingston. This site became the centre for our Scottish operations, aiding steady expansion and enabling us to deliver our range of services across the region.
“This year, in line with our commitment to continued growth and excellence, we opened a new, purpose-built office. Located in the heart of Livingston, this high-end facility provides our team with an optimal working environment.”
The new office area is designed to drive collaboration and provide spaces for training and ongoing professional development for employees and meeting rooms for hosting clients and supply chain partners. The ‘expansive’ yard areas support operations by accommodating a diverse range of formwork equipment and the company’s own fleet of plant, machinery and vehicles.
“Our growth isn’t limited to the central belt,” Kevin added. “Recognising the importance of the Scottish Highlands and Islands, we also have a satellite office in Dornoch. This strategic location allows us to better serve our clients in these regions, ensuring that we can deliver our services efficiently and effectively, no matter where the project is located. We are also able to maintain strong links to projects in northern England utilising regional transport connections.”
Murform is not just a labour-only service provider, but also offers technical, design, commercial and programming support at an early stage. The business revealed it is committed to adding real value to every project undertaken, and prides itself in building positive relationships. The extensive experience within the company allows it to offer full groundworks and formwork solutions, providing clients with a ‘seamless’ end-to-end service from design though to completion.
“At Murform, we are committed to investing in our community by prioritising a local workforce,” Kevin continued. “We value homegrown talent and are dedicated to developing the next generation of skilled professionals. Two years ago, we launched our apprenticeship scheme, starting with Cerys as a trainee quantity surveyor. This initiative provides young people with hands-on industry experience while building a strong pipeline of skilled tradespeople.
“Our goal is to engage more local youths, offering them career opportunities in our trades and supporting the long-term success of both our business and the community.”
Not prepared to rest on its laurels, a new website has been launched this year and the company has its sights set on continued growth across all areas of the UK and Ireland, as well as further investment in training and equipment.
Kevin Keenan revealed the company’s success over the last quarter-of-a-century would not have been possible without the support of its clients. Industry leaders such as Story Contracting, BAM, RJ McLeod, Farrans, I&H Brown, Global Infrastructure and Morrison have been instrumental in our growth, and we are proud to have partnered with them on some of the most significant projects across the UK and Ireland. We are currently completing eight bridges in Carlisle for Story Contracting, we’re in the final stages of the Govan-Partick footbridge for Farrans, and the 103-turbine Viking Wind Farm was delivered for RJ McLeod last year.
“Recently works began on the M8 Woodside project for AMEY, providing a comprehensive groundworks and formwork package that includes the supply of plant, materials and setting out. We look forward to many more successful ventures in the future.”
Murform director Peter Murphy said, “I am delighted to open our new Scottish premises which reinforces the commitment from Murform to the future growth of the company.”
