McAvoy acquired by Duke Street as modular construction demand accelerates

Lisburn-based modular construction firm McAvoy has been bought by European private equity investor Duke Street, marking its second ownership change since 2020. The undisclosed deal transfers ownership from Blantyre Capital, which had led McAvoy through a major restructuring and turnaround over the past five years.

Founded in Co Tyrone in 1972, McAvoy now operates from a 70,000 sq ft facility in Lisburn with 160 staff and additional offices across Dublin, Birmingham, Bristol, and London. Under Blantyre’s ownership, the company recorded strong growth in modular rentals and launched SmartSpace, a next-generation modular product that exceeds UK building regulations.

Duke Street partner Joe Thompson said the investment aligns with its focus on essential infrastructure, citing plans to expand McAvoy’s rental fleet and enhance product quality. Chief executive Ron Clarke welcomed the move, calling it a key moment for the firm as demand for premium, sustainable modular solutions continues to rise across education, healthcare, and commercial sectors.

McAvoy’s flexible model—combining offsite construction, rental options, and design innovation—places it firmly within the UK’s shift toward faster, greener building methods. With Duke Street’s backing, the company is expected to scale both its footprint and its influence in the modular construction space.

Learn how McAvoy’s acquisition signals growing investor confidence in modular building. Read the full story here.