The firm was owned by Jim Humphreys and Eddie Breen and is headquartered on Kinsale Road in Cork, with an additional office in Finglas, Dublin. 

Its purchaser, WH Scott specialises in the design, supply and certification of equipment used in lifting and industrial markets, with the more than 100-year-old company dating back to 1897.

Originally founded in Belfast, the firm is now headquartered in Rathnew, Co. Wicklow, and just last week, was acquired by Irish private-equity firm, Renatus for an undisclosed sum. 

The Group now serves customers through four specialised operating entities, W.H. Scott & Son Engineers, Hiltonne Engineering, Metlab and ReRopes. It is led by Managing Director, Patrick Doyle, receiving an investment from Renatus earlier this month.

The deal will further extend W.H. Scott's capabilities in Ireland and follows the firm's previous acquisition of UK-based Re-Ropes just twelve months ago. 

"The acquisition of Metlab is a testament to WH Scott’s commitment to delivering products and services to its clients," said a W.H. Scott spokesperson. "It comes just one year after the successful purchase of London-based elevator roping company, ReRopes, bringing the group to over 190 full-time employees."

Managing director, Patrick Doyle said the purchase "aligns perfectly with our vision of enhancing our capabilities and serving our clients better. 

"Metlab’s extensive experience within NDT and CMT will undoubtedly enhance our ability to provide high-quality engineering and fabrication solutions to a broader range of industries."

Metlab managing director, Jim Humphreys said the two companies have worked together over several years, adding that the firms' synergies are closely aligned. 

"When the opportunity arose to be a part of their group, we didn’t think twice," Mr Humphreys concluded.