About Carmac
Discover our story, values, and commitment to excellence
Our Story
Carmac (Building & Civil Engineering) Ltd were founded in 1984 and have enjoyed year-on-year growth since.
We are now firmly established as one of the most respected and successful groundworks and civil engineering companies in the East Midlands and Northern Home Counties.
Key to our success are our people, the valued members of our workforce who ensure that they deliver upon our clients’ requirements with the upmost expertise and attention to detail. Much of our workforce have been with us over many years, and the same can be said of our clients. We proudly receive the majority of our work through repeat business for this very reason.
We work with some of the largest and most successful new housing developers in the UK including Bovis Homes, Taylor Wimpey and Crest Nicholson. Our commercial contracts have included large distribution centres, HM Government projects and consortium infrastructure works.
Our contracts are serviced mainly by our own fleet of plant, maintained by our in-house construction plant mechanics and thoroughly examined at regular intervals to ensure safety standards are met and compliance with legislation.
Health, Safety & Sustainability
The well-being of our team stands at the forefront of our operations. Through our dedicated in-house health and safety management system, we ensure that every individual can undertake the latest safety qualifications. For us, prioritising health and safety is more than a commitment — it’s an intrinsic part of our company ethos, ensuring that every project is undertook with utmost care and diligence.
We are also dedicated to minimising our environmental impact and promoting sustainability throughout the business. We are actively engaged in practices that reduce our carbon footprint and conserve resources. Our commitment to environmental stewardship aligns with our mission to create a sustainable future for both our communities and the planet.
Carmac in the Community
Community engagement is more than just a corporate responsibility – it’s a value we hold close.
We understand that building infrastructures isn’t just about bricks and mortar: it’s about fostering stronger communities, nurturing relationships, and contributing positively to the areas we operate within.
In addition to work we undertake on-site, our efforts to give back to the community go further:
- Steadfast support for the Cynthia Spencer Hospice, through charity fundraising events such as our bi-annual golf days and the Three Peaks Challenge.
- Regular social activities such as summer parties for our team and their families.
- We are an employer partner of Northampton College and support their Construction department in various ways. For example, by providing them with labour, materials and PPE such as hi-vis vests.
- We provide industry placements/work experience for students.
- We are proud to sponsor Finedon Volta Juniors FC and Kingsthorpe Golf Club – evidencing our commitment to local talent and healthy activity through sport.
Our History
Carmac Founded
1984Founded by Tom McGowan Snr as a plant owner/operator contractor.
We transitioned
1999Carmac made the transition from a labour only sub-contractor to a full service supply and fit contractor. Supplied materials, plant and labour for the basement drainage works at Sol Central in Northampton.
First Housing Contract
2000Awarded the first housing contract in Coalville, Leicestershire for Alfred McAlpine Homes.
Management buy-out
2021Management buy-out completed by Tom’s son and son-in-law Tom McGowan Jnr and Colm Kilroy.
Be part of our future
Exciting opportunities with a company that truly values you.