Geobear appoints ground engineering veteran to lead UK operations
Ground engineering specialist Geobear has appointed Craig Macklin as Managing Director of its UK operations, bringing more than 30 years of experience in foundations, underpinning, ground improvement and civil engineering.
Macklin joins Geobear after 13 years leading Franki Foundations UK, where he grew annual turnover from £2.5 million to £50 million and developed a multi-site operation employing around 150 people.
During his tenure, around 95% of the business came from repeat customers, with Macklin building relationships with insurers, infrastructure clients and Tier 1 contractors.
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His appointment comes as Geobear looks to develop its operations across the residential, commercial and infrastructure markets.
Ground engineering experience spans major infrastructure projects
Before joining Franki Foundations UK, Macklin led an underpinning, rail and specialist projects division at Abbey Pynford. His responsibilities included subsidence and underpinning works, as well as establishing a regional operation covering underpinning, mini piling and ground improvement.
He also led the £30.7 million redevelopment of London Bridge Station for Bachy Solentanche, gaining experience of delivering ground engineering works in a live infrastructure environment.
Macklin said: “I’ve spent most of my career working in the foundations and ground engineering sector, so Geobear was a particularly exciting opportunity. What stood out to me is the strength of the technology and the problems it can solve.
“Geobear has developed a different approach to ground engineering, one that delivers results quickly while avoiding much of the disruption associated with traditional methods.
“There is a real opportunity to build on the expertise and reputation Geobear has established in the UK.
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“I’m looking forward to helping strengthen the business operationally, develop our relationships across the market and identify new opportunities for growth,” Macklin continued.
Geobear targets further UK growth
Otso Lahtinen, Chief Executive Officer of Geobear, said Macklin’s technical knowledge and operational experience would support the company’s development in the UK.
Lahtinen said: “We are excited to welcome Craig because he understands ground engineering literally from the ground up, but importantly, he understands what is required to grow and operate a specialist business successfully.
“Geobear is entering an important phase of its development in the UK,” continued Lahtinen. “Craig’s combination of relevant technical knowledge, commercial experience and operational leadership will help us build on the strong foundations we have already established and take the business forward.
