Few companies operating in today’s construction supply chain can trace their expertise back nearly 150 years, but located on the Knockmore Hill Industrial Estate in Lisburn, Robert Craig & Sons – better known across the industry simply as Craigs – has been supporting engineering and construction projects since 1882.
Today, that legacy is firmly aligned with the needs of the building and infrastructure sectors, where reliability, cutting precision and technical back-up are essential.
While Craigs has long-standing expertise in industrial pumps and engineered systems, the business has developed a particularly strong reputation within the construction, civils and specialist cutting markets.
While heritage is a powerful foundation, Craigs’ continued relevance lies in how it has evolved. Under the leadership of Managing Director David Craig for the past two decades, the company has transitioned from a broad general engineering firm into a specialist supplier of industrial pumps and bespoke equipment.
“We’ve deliberately focused on becoming experts in niche, value-added solutions,” says David Craig. “Our team has been here for many years – their experience is invaluable. Whether it’s a customised pump assembly, an AdBlue or diesel transfer system, or portable fuel polishing equipment, we take pride in solving the smaller but more complex projects that others often shy away from.”
That engineering agility sits at the heart of Craigs’ appeal to construction professionals. Central to that offering is their expanding range of professional diamond tooling and heavy-duty site equipment.
Through partnerships with leading manufacturers including Norton Clipper; WASP; Arix; Flowplant; Ebac; RICO and more, the Lisburn-based team supplies products designed for reinforced concrete, structural alteration and large-scale development works from diamond cutting systems and demolition robotics to dust suppression and air filtration technologies.
General Manager Aidan McGinley says strengthening the diamond tooling portfolio has been a deliberate move to support contractors working on complex builds. “We’ve just introduced the Norton Clipper range of masonry, floor and wall saws as well as Arix blades for large diameter cutting solutions,” he explains. “For contractors dealing with reinforced concrete, bridge decks, utilities installations or major commercial structures, blade performance directly impacts productivity. The right diamond tooling reduces downtime, improves cut quality and delivers measurable efficiency gains.”
Craigs joined EPS Group in December 2024 – a move that marked a significant milestone in its long history. As Ireland’s leading provider of water and wastewater pumping and treatment solutions, EPS brings additional scale, technical resources and access to larger contract opportunities.
For construction and machinery-moving professionals, that integration delivers tangible benefits. Craigs can now quote for larger, more complex projects – particularly in fast-growing sectors such as data centres, where demand for specialist fuel filtration and transfer systems continues to rise.
Patrick Buckley, Managing Director of EPS Group, believes Craigs brings a distinctive strength to the wider organisation.
“Craigs has an unparalleled engineering heritage, but what truly differentiates them is their niche expertise and responsiveness,” says Patrick. “Within the Group, they are uniquely positioned to design and deliver highly customised pumping and fuel systems quickly and efficiently. That agility, combined with EPS’ wider capabilities, creates real value for customers in construction and industrial markets.”
Approaching its 150th anniversary, Craigs remains firmly rooted in Lisburn, supported by a dedicated team whose knowledge spans generations. That blend of local expertise, specialist engineering and expanded capability through EPS Group ensures the business is not simply defined by its history – but by its ability to adapt and deliver.
For machinery movers and construction professionals, Craigs continues to demonstrate that engineering heritage – when combined with modern construction technology – delivers real on-site advantage.
