Burdens Limited, the UK’s leading supplier of civil engineering and building materials to the infrastructure, environmental and industrial markets, has announced its acquisition of the Lisburn-based company Total Pipeline Specialists Ltd (TPS).

Incorporated in 2003, TPS – which employs nine staff, including three directors – is a leading independent distributor of civil and mechanical engineering products and accessories for the utility markets, with a particular focus on the water utility sector.

The company is recognised as a specialist in integrated pipeline products from providing technical and commercial information for their design and specification through to the supply and timely delivery.

In addition to its core products, TPS has enjoyed growing success in a number of other areas associated with the construction and utility markets, with traffic management products and complete chamber solutions being added to its portfolio.

Commenting on the acquisition, Alan Long, Burdens regional director in Ireland, said “This addition to the Burdens business will enhance an already strong presence in both the water utility and construction sectors in Ireland and will advance our goal of being the premier and first choice supplier to the broad-based civils construction sector throughout the island of Ireland. With TPS’s extensive market experience, we will be in a position to bring even more value to our customers in terms of products and service. The Lisburn site joins our existing network of depots in Belfast, Cork and Dublin.”

The company will be integrated into Burdens systems and supply chain within months but in the short term will maintain its unique identity.

In a joint statement, TPS directors Paul Touhey, Barry Vize and Lenora Moore said “We are very excited to be a part of the Burdens family, with the endless possibilities that this move brings with it, not only for the ‘team’, but for our valued customers. We have always been a group of people driven by success, so when we were given the opportunity to join the UK’s leading organisation in our industry, with their confidence that we would further strengthen their position in the local market, the decision was an easy one.”