Founded in 1971, we have grown into a respected design and build multi-disciplinary engineering contractor in the utilities sector.
With over 1,200 skilled professionals, we deliver essential infrastructure that keeps water flowing, energy moving, and communities resilient. From major pipelines to complex treatment systems, we solve real challenges and strengthen vital networks across the UK and Ireland with practical expertise, environmental care, and lasting impact.
As part of Renew Holdings plc, a leading engineering services group, we benefit from the financial strength and stability of a well-capitalised parent company with a robust balance sheet. This backing enables us to invest in cutting-edge technology, deliver large-scale programmes of work with confidence, and maintain resilience in a dynamic industry.
Browne Complex Delivery
Browne Repetitive Delivery
Browne Renewable Infrastructure
Enisca Browne
Profitec Solutions
Cappagh Browne Utilities Ltd
J Browne Plant and Blackwater Plant
Delivering large-scale trunk mains and sewers, deep shafts, and critical network upgrades that enhance infrastructure resilience.
Executing high-volume, logistically complex upgrades and capital maintenance in urban environments, including Mains Renewal and Rehabilitation and Sewer Repair and Renewal.
Providing sustainable water and wastewater infrastructure solutions, including heat networks and district heating systems.
Delivering non-infrastructure water and wastewater solutions, and MEICA services, ensuring efficiency and resilience across treatment plants, pumping stations, and networks.
Specialising in electrical engineering, system integration, and process automation, delivering switchboards, control systems, MEICA installations, and off-site manufacture of package plant.
Our Joint venture delivering maintenance and repair services on waste water networks
Providing specialist plant and equipment services, ensuring efficient and reliable operations for our multi-disciplinary engineering activities.
1. Perfecting Utilities Infrastructure
Delivering high-impact, technically advanced solutions that strengthen national water networks and set industry benchmarks.
2. Pioneering ESG in Engineering
Driving low-carbon construction, ecological enhancement, circular economy practices, and social value, building sustainable infrastructure that strengthens communities
3. Powering Data-Led Innovation
Leading the adoption of cutting-edge digital tools, automation, and AI-driven analytics, to transform programme delivery for greater agility, efficiency and asset resilience.
4. Protecting & Elevating People
Setting new standards where safety, wellbeing, and inclusivity are fully embedded into everything we do, and investing in our workforce and the communities we serve.
Our leadership team combines hands-on industry knowledge with a focus on consistent delivery and long-term value. They set the direction for our business and ensure we stay aligned with our clients, people, and purpose. Led by Managing Director Paul McMahon, we strive to set new standards in the industry.
Key milestones include:
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2025
Founded in 1971 by Sean Browne, the company quickly gained a reputation in civil engineering, delivering highways contracts and projects for the CEGB. A skilled workforce, largely from London’s Irish community, laid the groundwork for growth.
J Browne expanded through the acquisition of RJ Wright & Sons in 1983, boosting gas and pipeline capabilities. Major projects included Heathrow Terminal 4 and work in the Docklands, driving diversification and momentum.
With turnover reaching £13m, J Browne delivered projects for the BBC, Asda, and Euro Disney in Paris. A key milestone was the 1991 framework with Thames Water, starting a long-term partnership. The company also moved into cable and electricity infrastructure.
Turnover rose to £30m, with projects for RPR Pharma and MSD. J Browne secured its first major wastewater framework with Thames Water in 2005 and expanded with Affinity Water. Jeremy Browne succeeded his father as company leader.
Focusing fully on water, J Browne won AMP5 frameworks with major utilities and delivered Crossrail and Tideway projects. Under new MD Paul McMahon, the company grew through AMP6, securing key frameworks with Southern and South East Water.
Despite COVID-19, J Browne closed AMP6 with £75m turnover and secured major AMP7 frameworks.
In 2021 Browne was acquired by Renew Holdings plc, a leading engineering services group.
By 2025, turnover nearly doubled to £190m, driven by major contracts including Thames Water’s £130m mains renewal. The company now looks to AMP8, with a strong focus on innovation and sustainability.
In 2025, the Enisca Group Companies were incorporated into Browne Group as we move into AMP 8. (Enisca Group was acquired by Renew Holdings plc in November 2022).
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