We are the world’s largest independent ground engineering specialist, renowned for providing technically advanced and cost-effective foundation solutions. With a turnover in 2009 of £1,037.9m, we have around 6,000 staff world-wide with offices in over 30 countries on five continents.
Around the world, ground engineering is crucial to the success of major civil engineering schemes such as energy production, infrastructure renewal and urban regeneration. It is also an important factor in whether a project is delivered on time and to budget. Whatever the size of the project, and wherever it is, Keller has the experience, the technology and the resources to provide an innovative, robust and cost effective solution.
Over the last 10 years, we have delivered compound annual growth rates in revenue and operating profit of 16% and 20% respectively, through a combination of organic growth and acquisitions. Today, we are the number one player in the US and Australia; we have leading positions in most established European markets; and a strong profile in many emerging markets.
Keller has successfully developed ground engineering techniques that are now widely accepted in the construction industry and some of which are illustrated in the case studies section of this website.
What Keller offers clients
Our clients tell us they like us because we are experts and innovative; they like the fact that we work with them to find the best and most cost-effective solution from an informed engineering and construction viewpoint. We have been described as “the hidden giant” - not just for the obvious reason that most of our work is buried in the ground, but also because it recognises our inherent strength and capabilities.
Although we are a global player we have a strong local presence in all our markets; so we can respond quickly to our customers’ needs and changes in our marketplace. Wherever we work and whatever the size of the project, we bring strong contracting relationships, good logistics, specialist technologies and equipment, experience and excellent risk and safety management.
What Keller offers employees
One of our strengths is the huge expertise and in-depth industry knowledge of our people. Keller attracts quality people who are motivated by the culture of empowerment, excellent job support, good reward and recognition and opportunities for career growth. See our careers section for more details. Our engineers appreciate our continued investment in research and development and active encouragement of technology transfer between our companies.
What Keller offers investors
Investors like our solid track record and the way we spread our risk.
A strong feature underpinning our success is the ongoing re-balancing of the Group, which over several years has resulted in improved geographical diversification and increased exposure to higher growth markets. As a consequence, £275m (26%) of our 2009 revenue came from Australia and our developing markets (our markets in Eastern Europe, North Africa, the Middle East and Asia), more than four times the level in 2004.
Given that many of our markets were severely depressed throughout the year, the Group’s 2009 results held up well. Despite a general shortage of contract awards, resulting in intense competition and tighter pricing, good overall contract performance and our firm cost control mitigated the impact on the Group’s operating margin. At 7.4%, the operating margin was down from the previous year’s excellent 10.0%, resulting in an operating profit of £77.3m (2008: £119.4m). Profit before tax was £74.7m (2008: £113.2m) and earnings per share were 78.8p (2008: 111.1p).
The Company has increased its dividend each year since its flotation in 1994.
