Our founder, Ray O’Rourke, has overseen the company’s extraordinary growth during the past 30 years. It has grown from a mid-sized formwork and concrete business in the UK to a global organisation of 30,000 employees with an operating turnover of more than A$12 billion.

Historical highlights of the company include:

2008

Laing O’Rourke Establishes New Australia and Asia Hub Headquarters

Our new headquarters opened in Innovation Place North Sydney providing a centralised location and space for future growth.

2006

Launches Australia and Asia Hub

Laing O'Rourke purchases Barclay Mowlem and building on this inheritance of a strong Australian heritage and multi-disciplined capability across the building, rail, civil, marine, power, and mine infrastructure sectors - Laing O'Rourke is positioned to grow across the Group hub of Australia and Asia.

2004

Commences Australian Operation

Laing O'Rourke Australia starts operations across the property markets of both NSW and Queensland, focusing on a diverse range of developments including residential, commercial, industrial and mixed use.

2003

Opens new UK Headquarters

Our new headquarters opened in Dartford, England using our own Customised Office Solution, offering faster design and construction, while maintaining choice and quality.

2001

Laing O'Rourke is formed

O'Rourke plc and Laing Construction plc joined forces - and the strengths and expertise of the two companies were combined to form a single company the following year.

1978

Formed R O'Rourke & Son Ltd

R O'Rourke and Son was formed, with offices in east London. The first job was a £2300 precast frame for Foundation House in Bracknell, England.

1848

Commenced trading as Laing

James Laing and his wife built their home, Caldew House in Cumbria, England, marking the beginning of the Laing business in the UK.