Global acquires Pier Solutions, launches Global Modular andcCreates 80 new jobs in year one

Global, has announced the launch of Global Modular, following the acquisition of Aberdeen-based Pier Solutions. The investment marks a strategic first step in Global’s ambition to develop a fully integrated, end-to-end service offering for the energy sector, responding directly to client demand for more efficient, coordinated and scalable project delivery models.

Pier Solutions’ 20-strong team will transfer into Global Modular, with the business expected to grow to a headcount of 100 within 12 months, creating up to 80 new roles as demand accelerates. Global Modular has been established to address a growing market opportunity for standardized and engineered modular solutions, particularly within transmission-critical infrastructure and wider EPC (Engineering, Procurement & Construction) programs across the energy and utilities sectors.

Global Modular will be based at Pier’s two current sites, in Kintore and Inverurie. The main facility in Inverurie spans 44,000 ft² and features integrated corporate and engineering offices, along with a modern workshop equipped with overhead lifting cranes capable of managing the delivery of a wide range of modules and custom structures.

Client-led investment, joined-up delivery

The creation of Global Modular reflects Global’s continued investment-led approach, shaped by close engagement with clients and a clear understanding of the challenges facing major energy projects, including delivery bottlenecks, fragmented supply chains and program delays.

By bringing modular design, manufacture and delivery into the Group, Global is strengthening its ability to provide connected solutions across the full project lifecycle — from early-stage consultancy, planning and design through to manufacture, transport, installation and ongoing support.

Through its existing customer delivery, Global is already delivering in the modular space through front-end consultancy and design businesses, Apollo and Arthian, as well as working with various operators on solutions for transmission infrastructure. Global Modular builds on that foundation, enabling the Group to offer greater certainty, speed and efficiency for complex projects.

Gordon Farmer, Board Director, Global, commented:

“This investment reflects Global’s long-term commitment to building capability that genuinely supports our clients. We have listened closely to the market and to the challenges facing major energy projects — and the message is clear: clients want joined-up, end-to-end solutions delivered by partners they trust.

“Global Modular is a critical first step in developing that capability. By combining modular solutions with the strength of our wider Group — including consultancy, logistics, construction and delivery — we are positioning Global at the centre of the energy transition, supporting a more efficient and sustainable future for Scotland and the wider UK.”

Leadership & growth ambition

Ryan Milne, a highly experienced senior leader in modular manufacturing, will be appointed as Modular Solutions Director. Jordan Ferguson (Pier) will take on a newly created role as Corporate Development Director, driving the growth and strategy for the business, supporting Ryan and the team as they expand their offering across all disciplines.

Milne comments:

“The acquisition of Pier Solutions brings exceptional capability, experience and people into the business from day one. Combined with the backing and breadth of the Global group, it creates a strong platform to support our growth ambitions in line with our strategy.

“Our clients are facing real challenges associated with conventional EPC delivery models across a variety of markets— from skills shortages to program delays. The adoption and deployment of modular solutions offers a faster, safer and more efficient alternative, and Global Modular allows us to work seamlessly across the project lifecycle to deliver real value.

“With Global’s scale and investment approach behind us, we expect to grow rapidly — both organically and through further strategic acquisitions — as we build out a market-leading modular capability.”

Ferguson comments:

“Joining Global provides an exceptional platform to take Pier Solutions to the next stage of its growth. The investment brings scale, stability and access to complementary expertise that will allow us to offer far greater value to our clients, while creating exciting opportunities for our people.”

CFO, Doug Gibb, who was part of the Pier management takeover in 2023, will take on the role of Finance & Operations Director. Gibb will support the next phase, overseeing all aspects of finance and operations.

A new approach

Global Modular will deliver adaptive standardized solutions — with bespoke capability where required — applicable across the energy, utilities, transport, critical infrastructure and defence sectors, with a focus on reducing program risk by accelerating delivery along with improving safety and quality.

It will support clients by delivering off-site engineered solutions that can be manufactured in parallel with enabling and civils works, before being installed on site — significantly reducing program risk and on-site requirements associated with conventional site-based sequential construction practices.

The business will provide modular solutions including e-houses, substations and transmission infrastructure, alongside industrialized solutions supporting offshore energy, nuclear, defence and transport projects.

Factory-based optimization enables modular construction to deliver significant benefits over traditional methods, including reduced embodied carbon, lower waste, improved quality and shorter construction programs — supporting both operational efficiency and sustainability objectives.