Glanua Lisbon Office expansion marks a significant step in the Irish engineering group’s international growth strategy. The company, which specialises in water, wastewater and environmental infrastructure, has officially opened a larger engineering base in Portugal to support projects across Ireland, the UK and international markets.
The new Lisbon operation already employs more than 20 engineering professionals. Glanua plans to recruit five additional engineers by the end of 2026 and ultimately grow the Portugal-based team to 40 people.
Glanua Lisbon Office strengthens global engineering capability
Established in late 2025, Glanua’s Lisbon team provides specialist support in engineering design, building information modelling (BIM) and digital project delivery. Rapid growth required the company to move into a larger, newly established office.
The Lisbon hub is becoming an important part of Glanua’s wider engineering network, connecting Portuguese expertise with teams in Ireland, the UK, the United States and other international markets.
The official opening was attended by Alma Nà Choigligh, Ambassador of Ireland to Portugal; Alberto Cisterna, Enterprise Ireland’s Director for Spain and Portugal; Glanua’s senior leadership; local business partners; and members of the Lisbon team.
Why Portugal was selected
Glanua’s relationship with Portugal predates the new office. Portuguese engineers and technical specialists have contributed to the company’s development and supported projects across the group for several years.
The company identified Lisbon as a natural engineering location because of Portugal’s established engineering tradition, water and environmental expertise, and strong graduate talent pool. Glanua has also developed links with NOVA University Lisbon and the University of Lisbon, with graduates joining the organisation and building careers within the business.
Enterprise Ireland supports Irish-Portuguese business links
The office opening highlights growing commercial cooperation between Ireland and Portugal. Enterprise Ireland said Glanua’s investment demonstrates how Irish engineering capability and Portuguese talent can combine to create sustainable infrastructure solutions.
Glanua Group Managing Director Karl Zimmerer said Portugal had been part of the company’s story for many years and that Lisbon was now becoming an integral part of its international engineering team. Ambassador Alma Nà Choigligh described the investment as a positive example of the two countries’ growing economic partnership.
Enterprise Ireland’s support reflects the agency’s role in helping Irish companies establish international operations, develop export markets and scale their global presence.
Glanua expands across Ireland, the UK, Portugal and the US
The Glanua Lisbon Office is the latest development in a broader expansion programme. The company has also opened its first US office in Radnor, Pennsylvania, while continuing to grow across Ireland and the UK.
- Glanua employs more than 750 people across four countries.
- The group recorded revenue of €155 million in 2025.
- Revenue is expected to exceed €200 million in 2026.
- The company has a secured order book of approximately €900 million through 2030.
Headquartered in Loughrea, County Galway, Glanua delivers services spanning design, construction, manufacturing, operation and optimisation for municipal and industrial clients. Its work supports water utilities and industries including pharmaceuticals, life sciences, food and beverage, and manufacturing.
What the Lisbon investment means
The expansion gives Glanua access to additional engineering capacity while creating a stronger platform for international project delivery. It also deepens the company’s links with Portuguese universities and technical professionals.
For Ireland’s export-led economy, the development illustrates how Irish firms can combine domestic expertise with international talent to pursue growth in specialised sectors such as water infrastructure and environmental engineering.
Conclusion
The Glanua Lisbon Office is more than a new international location: it is a strategic engineering hub supporting the company’s growth across Europe and beyond. With plans to expand its Lisbon workforce to 40 and group revenue projected to pass €200 million in 2026, Glanua’s investment underlines the potential of Irish engineering companies operating in global markets.
Article/Image Courtesy: Enterprise Ireland
