European scaffolding and formwork giant ULMA Construction is preparing to enter the UK market, with industry leader Des Moore steering the launch phase.
The Spanish-based company, part of the ULMA Group cooperative, employs around 2,000 people and has been operating for more than 60 years. The group’s annual turnover is estimated at around €1 billion, with operations spanning more than 50 countries.
Moore confirmed to Scaffmag that he has been appointed to help plan and establish ULMA’s UK business ahead of a full launch expected in mid-2026.
“I was approached to see whether I’d be interested in becoming involved in setting up their UK operation,” Moore said. “Unlike working with an established UK provider, I’m able to shape the offering in line with what I think it should be to compete with others and attract scaffolding contractors.”
ULMA will introduce its BRIO metric ringlock system, which is already widely used across Europe. The system is designed around metric standards, unlike most imperial-based systems used in the UK.
“BRIO isn’t compatible with the existing imperial systems, but it follows the same principles,” Moore explained. “I’ve always believed a metric option offers something unique in the UK market. This gives contractors a genuine alternative.”
According to Moore, ULMA’s BRIO system is currently going through NASC product approval, with certification expected early next year. Once approved, the company plans to register a dedicated UK entity and open its first operational base, followed by a potential satellite site.
ULMA first appeared at ScaffEx 2024 while assessing the UK market and has already booked space for ScaffEx 2026, signalling a firm commitment to its entry.
“They’re intent on operating in the UK,” Moore added. “Their approach is straightforward, trustworthy, and customer-focused — which is what attracted me.”
If approved, ULMA’s arrival could introduce fresh competition to the UK’s system scaffolding sector, currently led by Layher, PERI, Scafom-rux, and others.
