Galliford Try has acquired mechanical and electrical engineering specialists AVRS Systems, as part of its Sustainable Growth Strategy.

Established in 1972, AVRS has built a reputation as one of the UK's leading providers of specialist mechanical and electrical design and build solution. In the water sector, AVRS has long term frameworks with key water sector clients, with operations being very closely aligned to Galliford Try’s existing business. In the energy sector, AVRS has long term client relationships providing in-house design, supply, installation and commissioning of MEICA.

The purchase includes all AVRS operations including its premises in Cumbria, Middlesborough and Warwickshire, with circa 95 people including Mechanical, Electrical, Instrumentation, Control and Automation (MEICA) specialists, at a time when skilled people are in demand. For the year ended 30 September 2022, AVRS generated revenue of £7.9m and profit before tax of £1.3m.


The acquisition is a core part of the strategic plans for Galliford Try’s Environment Division and provides the foundations for its move into adjacent sectors alongside the UK water sector. The deal comes on the back of the recent acquisitions of nmcn’s water businesses and Lintott in 2021, and MCS Control Systems and Ham Baker in 2022.

The acquisition will give Galliford Try a further advantage in preparing for the water industry’s AMP8 cycle, providing in-house capital maintenance capability and the platform to expand into asset maintenance in the wider water sector.

Bill Hocking, Chief Executive of Galliford Try, said: "The acquisition of AVRS is another key milestone in Galliford Try’s Sustainable Growth Strategy, which combines organic growth with acquisition opportunities in existing and adjacent sectors.

"AVRS has a solid reputation in the sector, already working with many of our clients, and am I delighted to welcome our new teams to the business and look forward to working together to deliver for our customers."