No 6: Specialist Technical Engineering Services (STS Group)

Electrical and instrumentation installation contractor STS Group employs over 1,600 staff working across some of the world’s most prestigious projects within the life sciences, data centre, energy, and food & beverage sectors.

Total Turnover:

€220M

ROI Turnover:

€73M

International Turnover:

€147M

STS Group markets

The data centre market has remained stable, with STS Group clients pushing ahead to build additional phases across existing campuses along with new developments both domestically and internationally.

Life sciences has seen phenomenal growth over the past several years, with 2022 seeing continued spend on new production facilities and capacity expansion programmes for vaccine production. Gene therapy is another critical area of growth, mainly throughout mainland Europe, with some large-scale investments made by companies such as Bristol Myers Squibb and Johnson and Johnson. Last year, STS Group commenced work in the Netherlands on a large-scale cell gene therapy facility for a leading blue-chip multinational that, when built, will be the largest of its kind in Europe.

STS Group has a healthy order book of work and continues work on multiple data centre projects domestically and internationally with some of the most recognised US-headquartered technology brands.

Cork remains a strong hub for life sciences, with small, medium and large projects in Blarney, Little Island and Ringaskiddy for leading healthcare brands.

In 2022, STS Group entered the Austrian market and is currently working on data centre projects in Vienna, with further opportunities to expand the business with additional spend tipped for the sector in the region. Similar to previous new regions entered, STS Group’s model is to expand operations in EMEA by leveraging capital projects and utilising that opportunity as a springboard for further in-country development both with new clients and sectors.

STS Group technology

STS Group has kept abreast of developments and opportunities associated with adopting modern methods of construction (MMC) and digital technology by further developing its internal BIM capability, most recently receiving ISO 19650-2:2018 accreditation in 2022.

As more clients seek to utilise off-site construction, STS Group has continued to expand off-site prefabrication/construction facilities to meet these needs with facilities in both Dublin and Cork.

STS Group has continued its lean journey with all management and supervision undertaking lean training to understand the tools associated with reducing waste and improving project delivery. A recent initiative included the creation and rollout of bespoke STS Group Last Planner boards.

Sustainability at STS Group

STS Group recognises that the company’s activities have an impact on the environment, and, with that, it is committed to protecting the environment, preventing pollution and enhancing its environmental performance. Through implementing an environmental management system, STS Group works to prevent pollution and protect the natural environment from harm and damage as a result of its activities, along with improving its waste management practices.

STS Group staff

While resources remain a challenge across the industry, STS Group’s direct hire model and large workforce means the company is strategically pursuing opportunities where capacity is becoming available to alleviate exposure to the issue.

Health, safety, and wellbeing are central to the STS Group culture. With the pressures of the modern world ongoing, STS Group recognised the importance of supporting its employees and offers a comprehensive wellbeing programme that is active throughout the year. This year, for National Workplace Wellbeing Day, STS Group hosted a healthy breakfast for all of its employees to drive home the importance of eating well and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Events like this are scheduled on a regular basis throughout the year.

STS Group is committed to a culture of inclusion. The company has a diverse staff, across all age ranges, from young people entering trades to people at senior management level with four decades of experience.

During Pride Month, STS Group showcases its programmes to promote and support diversity in the workplace. STS Group launches a companywide awareness campaign for Pride Month each year whereby employees across the group come together to enjoy a coffee morning with doughnuts inspired by the iconic rainbow flag to learn about its origin, what it represents and why it is celebrated in June.