Our History

Bachy Soletanche is the UK subsidiary of the Soletanche Bachy Group, the world’s largest specialist geotechnical contractor with a turnover in excess of £1 billion. Soletanche Bachy has over 10,000 employees based in 31 countries. Bachy Soletanche conducts projects in the UK, Ireland and Northern Europe.

Both Bachy and Soletanche, were founded in France, during 1927 and 1947 respectively. Although less diverse, Bachy focused solely on construction drilling and site investigation works, whilst Soletanche specialised in complex dam water – leak sealing techniques. Innovative design in both product and application technique saw both companies develop into strong corporate organisations.

In 1997 the two French parent companies merged to create the largest geotechnical construction company in the world, employing over 4,000 employees worldwide, in 70 offices.

The United Kingdom subsidiary company of Bachy was established in 1986, upon the acquisition of Pigott Foundations Limited, and Foundation Engineering Limited. Together with Soletanche, the combined attributes of each company have brought a diverse range of innovative, resourceful design and quality construction to the market.

Soletanche Bachy UK

Soletanche Bachy (UK) is formed from a group of the UK’s leading geotechnical companies with a reputation for quality and innovation, both in design and construction, within the field of foundation and underground engineering. Our objectives are to supply specialist geotechnical and ground engineering works safely, economically, to a high standard, on time and within our client’s budget.

We are part of the world’s largest geotechnical group, bringing unrivalled access to the latest technological developments and expert knowledge brought about through the significant investment the group makes each year in research and development.

We work closely with our clients at inception or at tender stage to offer technical and practical advice in order to problem solve and develop best value solutions. Our on-site teams work collaboratively to provide a high quality professional service where safety is our first priority. Our Plant departments support operational contracts through the supply of in-house specialist plant and equipment, and can fabricate bespoke plant to meet our client’s needs.

Our sister companies within the UK group structure are SIXENSE Geotechnical Monitoring, Soil Engineering Geo-services, Vibro Menard and Roger Bullivant. Details, for which are listed below.

Group Structure - Sister Companies - Bachy Soletanche Logo
  • Large diameter rotary piling
  • CFA piling

  • Cased secant piling (CSP)

  • Secant / Contiguous walls

  • Diaphragm walls

  • Vibro stone columns
  • Vibro / dynamic compaction

  • Controlled modulus columns

  • Band drains

  • Vacuum consolidation

Group Structure - Sister Companies - Roger Bullivant Logo
  • Piling – Driven precast

  • Piling – CHD/CFA

  • Precast Foundations (offsite manufactured)

  • Restricted access/mini-piling

  • Ground improvement

Group Structure - Sister Companies - SIXENSE Logo
  • Structural monitoring
  • Noise monitoring

  • Dust monitoring

  • Vibration monitoring

  • Data assessment

Group Structure - Sister Companies - Soil Engineering Logo
  • Ground investigation
  • Drilling and grouting

  • Geotechnical laboratory

  • Drilling parameter recording

  • Core scanner