Mowlem


Mowlem was one of the largest construction and civil engineering companies in the United Kingdom. Carillion bought the firm in 2006.

History

The firm was founded by John Mowlem in 1822, and was continued as a partnership by successive generations of the Mowlem and Burt families, including George Burt, and Sir John Mowlem Burt.
The company was awarded a Royal Warrant in 1902 and went public on the London Stock Exchange in 1924. A long-standing national contractor, Mowlem developed a network of regional contracting businesses including Rattee and Kett of Cambridge ; E. Thomas of the west country ; Ernest Ireland of Bath; and the formation of a northern region in 1970. During the Second World War the company was one of the contractors engaged in building the Mulberry harbour units.
Mowlem acquired SGB Group, a supplier of scaffolding, in 1986. Mowlem also bought Unit Construction in 1986, giving the firm a substantial presence in private housebuilding - within two years, sales were up to an annual rate of 1,200. The ensuing recession led to losses of over £180m between 1991 and 1993 and banking covenants came under pressure. The housing division was sold to Beazer in 1994.
Mowlem was bought by Carillion in February 2006.

Major projects

Major projects undertaken by or involving Mowlem included:
Mowlem was also the owner and developer of London City Airport completed in 1986.