A Glasgow-headquartered engineering group, founded in 1871, that makes the equipment and software that help mines process rock, water and energy more efficiently.
The Weir Group is a Scottish engineering company that describes itself as a global leader in mining technology. Mines are huge operations that dig rock out of the ground, crush it, grind it and separate out the valuable minerals, and every one of those steps wears out machinery and uses large amounts of energy and water. Weir makes the hard-wearing parts and equipment used in that process, including the steel teeth that dig into rock, rubber and ceramic linings that protect pipes and pumps, and engineered products for processing minerals. In recent years it has also added mining software and machine vision, which is computer technology that uses cameras and AI to spot problems on site.
The company was founded in 1871 by two Scottish engineering brothers, George and James Weir, to make pumps for the steamships and shipyards of the River Clyde. A machine shop opened at Cathcart in Glasgow in 1886. In the First World War the firm made shells, aero-engines and over 1,100 aircraft, and it joined the London Stock Exchange in 1946. Over the twentieth century it grew into pumps, valves and other flow equipment, and in 2020 it sold its oil and gas division to concentrate on mining. By 2021 about 80 per cent of its revenue came from mining markets.
In its own words, Weir wants to help the mining industry grow while reducing its impact on the environment, through solutions that mean mines handle less rock, use less energy, manage water better and create less waste. Its 'We are Weir' strategy rests on four pillars: People, Customer, Performance and Technology. Its annual report describes its people as 'a global family' and says it wants to be the most admired business in its sector. These are the company's own statements, not independent findings.
Weir's head office is in Glasgow, where the business began, and the Glasgow headquarters address is 1 West Regent Street. Its UK roots include the Cathcart works, the Polmadie pump business bought in 1960, and Hopkinsons, a valve and controls maker in Huddersfield bought in 1989. A UK company record exists for Weir Minerals Europe Limited. We could not confirm a full current list of UK sites, so check the company's website for where teams are based today. Worldwide the group employs about 12,000 people (2026, Wikipedia).
A company like this employs many kinds of people, which is useful to know if you are not sure which subject to follow. There are mechanical and materials engineers who design wear parts, metallurgists and foundry specialists, software developers and data specialists for the mining software and AI products, and sales, finance, health and safety and sustainability teams. If you enjoy maths, physics, design and technology, computing or chemistry, you can see how each connects to a real product here. The company's own website is the best place to see which roles are currently open.
Website: www.global.weir
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