A Dundee civil engineering firm has grown its revenue every year since moving to employee ownership.
Kilmac was formed in 2004 by friends Athole McDonald and Richard Kilcullen who had worked together since 1988.
They initially worked from their kitchen tables but quickly became a major player in the area.
The firm grew to become a multi-million-pound concern involved in providing work for projects such as Perth Museum and Broughty Ferry flood defences.
They said the decision to move to employee ownership in 2022 was to secure the future of the business in the area and the jobs of its 130 staff.
This has provided the foundation for more success.
Kilmac’s sales grew from £25.6 million in 2022 to £26.6m in 2023 and £29.9m in 2024.
Newly filed accounts for the year ending September 30 2025 show another 10% rise in revenue to £32.9m. Pre-tax profits were £2.3m, down from £2.5m the previous year.
And with this growth has come more jobs. The company, which also has a base in Dunfermline, now employs 170 workers.
This growth has come despite operating in what Kilmac directors admit remains “a challenging construction market”.
Finance director Julie Scobie said: “We have continued to grow turnover, maintain healthy margins and significantly strengthen our balance sheet, all while continuing to invest in our people for the future, with 170 staff now on the payroll.
“Seven new contracts were started and completed during the year, generating more than £5m of the company’s total revenue. The business continues to target sustainable annual growth of 10-12%.
“Construction remains a highly competitive sector, but we’re proud of the way our teams have responded to a challenging environment.
“Kilmac has nurtured a reputation for delivering increasingly complex projects while maintaining high standards of quality, safety and environmental performance. This is testament to the skill and commitment of everyone across the business.”
In the financial year, Kilmac completed 15 projects, with a further 12 ongoing at the year-end, including prestigious projects at Monifieth High School, Perth High School and the R&A St Andrews.
It also embarked on a “landmark” development of the Alloa Wellbeing Hub and Lochies School.
“We’re pleased with the results, particularly given the scale and complexity of the projects we have undertaken,” Julie added.
“The past year has seen us embark on some of the biggest contracts in Kilmac’s history.
“The Alloa project marks an important milestone in Kilmac’s development and demonstrates the confidence major clients continue to place in us.
“It reflects the company’s continuing evolution from a regional groundworks contractor into one of Scotland’s leading civil engineering and infrastructure contractors.
“It’s another step forward in our ambition to deliver larger, more technically demanding projects across Scotland.
“Looking ahead, Kilmac enters the new financial year with a strong pipeline of work and remains focused on delivering sustainable growth. We are continuing to invest in our people, technology and capability.”
Kilmac Limited
Kilmac is now recognised as one of Scotland's leading Civil Engineering and Building Contractors. Working in partnership with main contractors all over Scotland.
