An Interview with Jamie Pierce, Joint Managing Director at J & D Pierce (Contracts) Ltd
Strengthened by a fleet of Merlo heavy‑lift and ROTO telehandlers, supporting safe, precise and productive steel delivery across the UK.
Few names in UK construction reflect long‑term vision, family commitment and industry leadership quite like J & D Pierce (Contracts) Ltd. Founded in 1975 and now recognised among the UK’s foremost structural steelwork contractors, the business has grown from a one‑man workshop into a nationally significant steel specialist delivering complex industrial, infrastructure and stadium projects across the country.
Today, with over 550 employees across multiple divisions, J & D Pierce is one of the largest employers in North Ayrshire, operating more than 1,000,000 sq ft of production and fabrication facilities across Scotland and the North of England. But behind its scale lies a very human story; one built on three generations of hard work, resilience and belief.
A Three‑Generation Story of Growth, Vision and Ambition
1975 – The Beginning
The business was established by James Pierce, Jamie’s grandfather, as a one‑man operation producing gates, railings, fire escapes and general ironmongery. With little capital but significant determination, he laid the foundation for the company’s craft and reputation.
1982 – The Second-Generation Joins
James was joined by his son Derek Pierce, whose ambition and appetite for calculated risk transformed the company. Derek consistently stayed ahead of the curve with where the market was heading, larger buildings, faster installation methods, more complex steel structures, building the business into one of the UK’s leading structural steelwork contractors.
This mindset of anticipating industry change became the engine of growth throughout the 1980s and 1990s, as the company scaled its capability, workforce and project portfolio.
2000s – National Expansion
Through the 2000s, J & D Pierce expanded into major commercial, industrial and retail projects across the UK, supported by constant investment in production capacity and growing in‑house expertise.
2004 – Apprenticeships Programme Established
A formal apprenticeship programme was introduced, creating a sustainable talent pipeline that today supports 65+ apprentices at any one time and has shaped much of the current workforce.
2010 – The Third Generation Begins
Jamie Pierce joined the business, gaining experience across fabrication construction, engineering, operations and site delivery.
2011 – A Step Change in Operational Capability
The business introduced Merlo heavy‑lift telehandlers into its steel handling operations improving offloading safety and efficiency.
2013 – Founder Retirement
After nearly four decades, James Pierce retired, with Derek continuing to lead the next major stages of growth.
2015 – Third Generation Strengthens
Jamie’s brother Fraser joined as an apprentice, progressing through fabrication and into construction and pre‑construction roles.
2018–2024 – Major Investment & National Infrastructure
- 2018 – Major Investment and Design & Build Division (Scarborough)
Significant investment in automated fabrication facilities alongside the establishment of the Design & Build division in Scarborough, supporting large-scale industrial and distribution projects. - 2021 – East Kilbride Facility & Strubeam Expansion
Expansion of heavy and bespoke steel capability through the East Kilbride facility and growth of the Strubeam division - 2022 – Bridge Division Established (Durham)
- 2024 – Clydesdale Coatings (Bellshill)
Opening of a Durham office to support the bridge and construction division, strengthening infrastructure capability.
Major investment in a new state-of-the-art coatings facility, improving quality control and programme delivery, with dedicated handling operations supported by Merlo machines.
The business grew to over 550 employees across the UK, delivering steelwork for major industrial, logistics, energy and stadium developments
2026 – Leadership Transition
Derek transitions to Chairman, with Jamie Pierce becoming Joint Managing Director alongside Dave Ryan, marking the formal progression into the third generation.
People First: A Culture of Training, Opportunity and Long-Term Careers
A defining characteristic of J & D Pierce is its commitment to people. More than half a century after its founding, the business continues to invest heavily in skills training and development across all areas of the business including fabrication, welding, erection, design, drawing, coatings and support functions. This is led by a dedicated skills development team, headed by Alex,(Jamie’s uncle) who came into the business as an apprentice and has since progressed to play a key role in developing the next generation of our workforce.
In addition to the well‑established apprenticeship programme, J & D Pierce operates a second‑chance training route, for people from a wide range of backgrounds – often from outside the construction industry – who are looking to retrain and build a career in steel.
The company also partners with North Ayrshire Council on a 16‑week welding programme that provides unemployed individuals with industry‑ready skills.
“As one of the largest employers in North Ayrshire, we have a responsibility to create long-term opportunities,” Jamie says. “People are at the heart of everything we do - and always will be.”
How Merlo Supports Safe, Efficient Steel Delivery
Colin McVey and Jamie Pierce
Jamie notes that while Merlo build excellent machines, it is the support from Ramsey & Jackson that truly sets them apart.
J & D Pierce’s continued investment in its operational capability includes a growing fleet of Merlo machines that support safe and efficient steel handling across both yard and site environments. Over the past 12 months, the business has added five new Merlo units to its fleet
- Three P120.10HM heavy‑lift telehandlers
- One 26‑metre ROTO (50.26PLUS)
- One 30‑metre ROTO (50.30PLUS)
These machines play an important supporting role on major projects, including the HVDC converter stations in Orkney and Peterhead, where their reach, stability and manoeuvrability make them particularly effective in areas where cranes are restricted or less efficient.
Jamie is clear that while Merlo produces excellent equipment, it is the partnership with Ramsey & Jackson that truly makes the difference. The service and responsiveness from Neil Ramsay, Colin McVey and the wider team, at any time, on any site, is a major factor in why J & D Pierce continues to invest in Merlo as part of its long‑term strategy.
This support is why J & D Pierce continues to invest in Merlo equipment: not just for performance, but for the assurance of reliable service.
A Shared Mindset: Family, Engineering and Progress
J & D Pierce and Merlo share a remarkably similar heritage. Both have been shaped by family beginnings, a focus on engineering excellence and a steady evolution from general ironmongery workshops into internationally respected specialists. Both take pride in continuous improvement, investment in people, safe working practices and a commitment to quality that spans generations.
As J & D Pierce continues to deliver the UK’s largest distribution centres, HVDC infrastructure, Premiership stadiums and major industrial projects, Merlo will continue to support the business behind the scenes, enabling safe steel handling, efficient offloading and precision placement.
“We don’t buy machines as ornaments,” Jamie says. “We use them every day, to their full capability. Merlo fits how we work - reliable, efficient and built for the long haul.”
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