NPC joins Kier team on Glasgow super prison

National Pile Croppers (NPC) has joined the delivery team for the new HMP Glasgow, supplying specialised hydraulic cropping equipment to support piling and groundworks for Scotland’s £683.8 million super prison.

The long-awaited replacement for the 143-year-old HMP Barlinnie is being delivered by Kier on behalf of the Scottish Government. With full construction now underway following delays linked to rising inflation, the new 1,344-capacity facility will be built on the former Provan Gas Works site in Glasgow’s East End and is scheduled to open in 2028.

NPC is supporting the project as a trusted partner of Careys, the main contractor for groundworks, and Roger Bullivant Ltd, the appointed piling contractor. Together, the three firms are collaborating on the complex brownfield redevelopment, which requires a mix of 250 mm and 300 mm precast concrete piles.

The first phase involves constructing the perimeter wall using 250 mm square piles, followed by internal structures requiring 300 mm piles. To crop these efficiently, Careys has deployed NPC’s Power Croppers and MultiBar croppers—both designed for rapid removal of excess pile sections while maintaining rebar integrity.

NPC sales director Scott Fitchett said: “Based on Carey’s experience of using NPC croppers on other jobs, we were invited to demonstrate our capabilities. Following a successful on-site trial, the equipment was retained and additional units have since been ordered.”

The MultiBar cropper, suitable for piles with multiple reinforcement bars, offers high manoeuvrability and is ideal for use with 6-tonne excavators. The Power Cropper features dual hydraulic rams and heavy-duty jaws capable of cutting through 300 mm piles at 1 metre intervals, enabling fast, clean finishes with minimal trimming.

Fitchett added that both cropper types are “flat out” on site, with NPC’s Airdrie depot providing local support and regular site visits. “Careys’ site manager Brian Quinn has a dedicated contact at our customer service desk to ensure smooth communication and rapid response.”

The HMP Glasgow project marks a significant milestone in modernising Scotland’s prison infrastructure, with Kier’s design focused on creating a secure, rehabilitative environment using local supply chains and sustainable construction practices.