J & D Pierce purchase Konecranes plant in long-term manufacturing deal

J & D Pierce have secured an agreement with Finnish firm Konecranes to purchase their East Kilbride based operation.

In August 2020, the firm announced that they needed to “fix the lack of profitability” at the College Milton site and were looking to “protect (the company’s) long-term future.” Managing Director Derek Pierce negotiated the deal which will see 100 jobs created by the end of 2021.

J & D Pierce has purchased the 300,000 square foot plant along with 14 Acres of yard space. Recruitment will soon take place for both manufacturing and office staff.

Cranes have been built in the facility for over 60 years and J & D Pierce are “delighted” to continue production to supply and serve the large client base. The plant also provides greater opportunity for the expansion of their own road and rail manufacturing division with the facility becoming the headquarters of their STRUBEAM business which specialises in the manufacture of bridges and heavy plated fabrication.

Managing Director Derek Pierce explained: “We have purchased the building and land and secured a long-term sub-contract agreement with Konecranes.

“This is a great step forward for J & D Pierce and STRUBEAM and we hope to create a positive impact in the community in East Kilbride.”

Pierce has taken the bold step to expand amidst a global pandemic and this confidence provides further evidence of the first positive signs for employment prospects in Scotland in 2021. Human resources body, the CIPD, this week released a survey finding 56% of 2,000 firms planned on hiring in 2021.

Linda Fabiani MSP had called the announcement made by Konecranes last year “a terribly sad situation.”

This week she said: “I welcome this development. I have had a long discussion with Derek Pierce and am impressed with the company’s commitment to long-term growth in the business in East Kilbride. I have assured Mr Pierce that I will do all I can to help achieve this.”

The plant’s restructuring and refurbishment will commence from March 2021.

Photo credit: J & D Pierce 

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