PERI UK appoints engineering director with temporary works expertise
PERI UK has appointed Craig McDonnell as Engineering Director, bringing more than 25 years of mechanical, civil and structural engineering experience to its formwork, scaffolding and temporary works operations.
Based at the company’s Rugby headquarters, McDonnell will provide technical leadership to engineering teams supporting construction and infrastructure projects across the UK.
His career has covered rail, civil and structural engineering, temporary works, underground supports and foundation design, including senior roles with Morgan Sindall and J. Murphy & Sons.
Engineering experience spans major infrastructure projects
McDonnell initially trained in mechanical engineering at Liverpool John Moores University before working in aircraft engineering and rail braking systems.
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He later moved into civil and structural engineering with Mabey Support Systems, now Mabey Hire, specialising in propping, support and bridging systems. His experience also includes movable structures, underground supports and foundation theory.
At J. Murphy & Sons, McDonnell progressed to Senior Engineering Manager and led the company’s temporary works design team.
His projects included early-stage utility diversion works for HS2 Curzon Street Station in Birmingham and the Transpennine Route Upgrade between York and Leeds, including station improvements and bridge and structural modifications.
“Having such broad engineering experience helps me to see solutions that other people might not initially spot,” Craig says. “I can meet with electrical or control engineers and understand their requirements or go into detail with a structural engineer – the variety in my experience helps me see the bigger picture when considering project delivery.”
Early temporary works input can influence construction
McDonnell said his experience working for a contractor has shaped his view that engineering specialists can have greater influence when brought into projects during the design stage.
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“The earlier we get involved in the design process, the greater the opportunity to add value,” he says. “If a client comes to us twelve weeks before they get to site, my team can help them understand what equipment is needed, where and how it will be used and how it can be installed safely and efficiently.
“Early engagement allows us to optimise the solution, improve productivity and reduce risk. If we’re only brought in when a project is already on site and equipment is needed tomorrow, there’s naturally less opportunity to influence the design.
“That said, contractors don’t always have the luxury of long lead times. With PERI’s engineering expertise, equipment availability and responsive service, we’re able to respond quickly and support projects when urgent requirements arise.”
He said his contractor-side experience had also given him an understanding of what construction businesses need from engineering suppliers.
“Having worked as a client of temporary works suppliers, I’ve seen first-hand what contractors need from engineering partners,” Craig says. “Ultimately, it’s about providing practical solutions that help clients deliver projects safely, efficiently and on programme.”
McDonnell to lead PERI UK engineering team
In his new role, McDonnell will focus on improving the efficiency of PERI UK’s engineering operations and building on its existing technical capabilities.
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“What attracted me to PERI is that engineering is front and centre of everything they do – it’s about how they engineer the products they hire out or sell to clients and the service they provide day to day.”
He said his approach would focus on incremental improvements to existing operations.
“It’s all about evolution, not revolution,” Craig concludes. “PERI UK has been supporting the UK construction industry for well over 35 years and benefits from being part of the wider PERI Group, which has been operating since 1969 and has more than 60 subsidiaries worldwide.
“We have a strong product base, outstanding engineering expertise and long-standing customer relationships. For me, it’s about taking that foundation forward step by step – hitting those incremental gains across several areas, becoming even more efficient while continuing to deliver quality designs, products and services to our customers.”
