Energy and utilities infrastructure services contractor OCU Group has bought Sheffield-based district heating and welding specialist Valmech.

The deal strengthens private equity-backed OCU’s integrated energy and utilities offering and establishes a dedicated platform for delivering district heating schemes, with scope to expand into international markets.

Founded in 2016, Valmech operates out of a manufacturing workshop in Oxspring on the outskirts of Sheffield delivering district heating installations, plant rooms, and mechanical engineering services.

The business, which employ around 17 staff, will continue to be run by its current management team within the OCU Group.

Adrian O’Sullivan, COO and managing director of OCU Utilities, said:  the combination of Valmech’s in-house manufacturing and mechanical know-how with OCU’s civils and pipeline expertise “creates a full value-chain platform for growth in the district heating market”.

Valmech founder Simon Waller added: “Partnering with OCU opens an exciting new chapter for Valmech and will help us deliver even more comprehensive services as the UK invests in modern, low-carbon infrastructure.”