Barrett Steel expands in Ireland

Barrett Steel marks further expansion with the launch of a new subsidiary in Ireland. The company opens its engineering department, Barrett Engineering Steel, to develop and manufacture a range of engineering steels and alloys from its Maghaberry business unit.

The company has already achieved significant success from its presence in Northern and Southern Ireland with a backlog of steel products and tubular products. The new business will provide products for the power industry, petrochemical, engineering, defense industries, and will also offer a wide range of carbon and alloyed grades.

The launch of the unit is part of an investment program that will include several new outlets in the near future. In addition, the new department will provide additional services such as sawing, drilling, heat treatment and testing. As a result, Barrett Steel has increased its workforce by 20 percent and plans to continue creating new jobs this year.

Despite challenging times in the industry, Barrett Steel reported a profit increase of up to
taxation by 50 percent, as sales increased significantly during the 2013 fiscal year. Founded in 1866 by Henry Barrett, the company expanded through acquisition to become the largest independent shareholder in the UK.

The group currently comprises 42 companies operating in 28 locations across the UK and is divided into four divisions: General Steel; engineering steels; pipes; international deliveries. A warehouse and technology facility in Houston, Texas was recently opened.