Laing O’Rourke, an international engineering and construction company with deep roots in the UK’s built environment. Formed in 2001 through the combination of John Laing Plc’s construction arm, whose history stretched back to 1848, and R O’Rourke & Son, a formwork and concrete specialist established in 1978, the company has grown into one of the world’s most respected construction innovators.
Over the past two decades, Laing O’Rourke has expanded into new markets and pioneered modern methods of construction, applying advanced technologies to deliver certainty and excellence for clients. Its portfolio includes some of the most iconic projects in the world, underpinned by a reputation for innovation, safety, and quality.
The company’s purpose — to push the boundaries of what’s possible in service of humanity — sits at the heart of everything it does. Guided by the values of care, integrity, and courage, Laing O’Rourke combines technical excellence with a commitment to making a positive impact on communities and the wider industry. Family ownership has instilled a strong culture that champions people, innovation, and projects that improve lives.
That impact was recently recognised at the City of Manchester Business Awards, where Downtown in Business presented Laing O’Rourke with the highly coveted Tony Award on 25 September 2025. The honour reflects the company’s influence not only as a construction leader but also as a force for positive change across Manchester and beyond.
