Hillhouse Quarry Group acquire Skene Group

Latest acquisition strengthens Ayrshire-based company’s market presence in Scotland

HILLHOUSE Group, one of the largest independent suppliers of construction materials in Scotland and a third-generation family business, have acquired Skene Group Construction Services Ltd. 

The deal will see Skene Group, a second-generation family business, brought into the Hillhouse Quarry Group, with both companies continuing to provide a diverse range of high-quality services to the construction sector. 

The newly expanded business will total almost 400 people, and further strengthen Hillhouse Group’s position as a leading supplier of asphalt, aggregates, and concrete products in the Scottish market. The business also provides road surfacing, highway maintenance, civil engineering and operated plant hire services.  

Today, Hillhouse Group employ around 280 people across six sites in Central and South West Scotland. The company takes a view of its activities, investments, resources and team. By taking the long view, Hillhouse ensure that their businesses are well invested and benefit the communities in which they are based and operate in.  

The acquisition of Skene Group is in alignment with this corporate strategy and will accelerate the expansion of the business, whilst safeguarding it for the future.  

Fife-headquartered Skene Group were founded in 1968 and are a prominent, highly regarded independent operator in the construction supply sector, employing just over 100 people across four sites.  As part of the deal, Neil Skene and Jill Mason will assume new consultancy roles within the business, ensuring consistency and a smooth transition period. Darren Forrester remains managing director of Skene Group Construction Services.

Skene Group boast a strong presence in the East of Scotland which will complement Hillhouse Group’s West of Scotland sites. 

Robert McNaughton, chief executive officer of Hillhouse Group, said: ‘Hillhouse Group and Skene Group Construction Services are strikingly similar in a variety of ways; family businesses founded in Scotland, with strong community roots, shared values and aspirations to deliver excellent services to the construction sector. Given the enviable track record of the business, the nature of its services and its complementary regional focus, it was natural for us to acquire Skene Group when the opportunity presented itself.’