Ferrier Pumps
Ferrier Pumps finds its own ‘dear, green place’ in East Kilbride
In truth, it was a building that first brought Ferrier Pumps to South Lanarkshire. Having substantially outgrown their premises in Glasgow, the innovative designers and installers of energy-efficient pump solutions had, since 2015, been forced through company growth to fragment operations across different sites in the city.
A chance meeting in 2022 alerted them to the availability of a larger site in East Kilbride and the deal was firmly sealed as soon as the Irish-owned company saw the location.
MD, PJ McFeeley says, “Not only did the building allow us to bring all our West of Scotland operations back together and re-establish the benefits of collaboration but we were blown away by the green space all around.
“We are on the edge of an industrial estate but on a new dual carriageway bringing easy access to the motorway network. We’re also close to Calderglen Park, so it almost feels like greenbelt.
“The new premises in East Kilbride offered a prominent location for the company; more than enough to make the move away from the city.”
PJ is also very complimentary about the support he received from South Lanarkshire Council’s economic development team, who reached out as soon as they learned Ferrier Pumps would be moving in.
“I have had nothing but positive experiences with South Lanarkshire Council who have been hugely helpful with professional advice and really useful introductions.
“We received an initial grant to help develop the facilities to suit the varying needs of our operational, project management and office-based staff but, just as importantly, South Lanarkshire Council has helped us save money through their Expert Help programme. For example, local specialists were engaged to review and advise on energy efficiency; helping us to decide on everything from insulation to new boilers and heat pumps.”
This help was particularly appreciated since Ferrier Pumps itself advises its public and private sector customers on energy efficient pump solutions. Working with a wide range of customers, from the domestic water industry to agriculture and leisure, Ferrier also has facilities in Edinburgh and in Aberdeen, although South Lanarkshire has quickly become its largest site in terms of employment.
PJ adds, “Recruitment is always a challenge, since much of our work is innovative. We started in East Kilbride with under 30 staff in 2023 and have now reached 50, so the Council’s introduction to Skills Development Scotland has been hugely helpful.
“We have taken on a dozen apprentices and graduate trainees so far and have approached SDS to investigate the possibility of tailoring a specific programme for the water industry. Those introductions have been invaluable to us in growing the company.”
Ferrier Pumps have been specialists in all aspects of pumps and associated equipment since 1981, covering design, installation, repair and maintenance for a wide range of sectors. The company became part of EPS Group in 2021.