Aberdeenshire's KR Group owners reflect on 20 years of excellence
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Aberdeenshire based steel and cladding company KR Group is concluding its 20th anniversary year with several accomplished business developments in 2023.
The family business which was founded in 2003 as KR Steel secured many notable projects this year, including the cladding and fabrication of the new Ford showroom in West Tullos – one of the biggest new build projects in Aberdeen, the cladding, fabrication and erection of a new gin distillery set to open in Turriff next year and a contract with Norwegian company, Nofitech, working on a state-of-the-art Recirculation Aquaculture System (RAS) hatchery on the remote peninsula of Wester Ross in the Highlands.
The business is led by husband and wife, Kenny Robertson, managing director, and Nicola Fraser, business director.
Kenny shared his motivation for establishing the business: “I’d worked in the steel industry for several years and was passionate about finding ways to do things better and more efficiently. I wanted to create a dynamic business that prioritises investment in people.
“Our team are committed and loyal and have chosen to be part of the KR Group journey and vision. I value their unwavering dedication to completing tasks, even if it entails working away from home or braving adverse weather conditions.
"Their commendable work ethic is truly appreciated.”
Nicola reflected on the launch of the company 20 years ago: “I’d grown up watching the challenges my dad faced being self-employed, but I was excited about Kenny’s plans; this was his field, his passion, and I knew it was the best thing for him.
“We are so grateful for the whole team showing up and bringing their A-game every day, pushing forward, and achieving the best we can for our clients and the wider community.”
KR Group has gained a reputation for its commitment to various social and environmental initiatives.
The business regularly works with numerous local schools, colleges, universities, and community groups to share industry knowledge and promote careers in the construction sector. The staff work closely with Developing the Young Workforce Northeast and are proud ambassadors of the Young Person’s Guarantee.
The business recruited an additional 13 employees in 2023, bringing the current headcount to 51 - 20 per cent of the workforce are in ‘earn while you learn’ roles which include apprenticeships, traineeships, and graduate placements. The driving force behind KR Group’s community initiatives is Nicola, whose passion comes from her previous career within psychology and social work.
Nicola decided to encompass their youth initiatives into a dedicated division of the business and launched the ‘KRedit Project’ back in March. The group’s efforts were recognised in the 2023 Scottish FSB Awards, where they deservingly scooped the Community Award.
Throughout this landmark year, the company has fundraised more than £8k for the charity Hamish Dear’s Warm Hugs and donated a further £20k to other local causes and charities.
KR Group secured multiple ISO Accreditations over the course of 2023, and attained EN 1090 Execution Class 3 certification, a distinguished European standard that signifies excellence in the field of metal fabrication. Furthermore, the company takes pride in its status as one of just four FASET (Fall Arrest Safety Equipment Training) Accredited companies in Scotland, uniquely positioned as the sole representative in the north of the country.
Moving into 2024, KR Group has invested over half a million pounds in new machinery which will allow the business to expand their current service offering and continue the growth and success experienced in 2023.
