As SPS Technology continues to expand its operations, we sat down with our new President for North America, Bobby O’Brien, to discuss the opportunities ahead, the growing demand for faster, more efficient construction solutions and why he believes SPS is only just beginning to realise its full potential!

Q: Bobby, can you tell us a bit about your background and what led you to SPS Technology?

Bobby: My background is in the steel industry, where I worked closely with commercial teams on operational initiatives and growth strategies within construction-related markets. Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside customers, contractors, fabricators, and project stakeholders on large-scale projects, so there are many natural parallels between my experience and the markets SPS serves today.

What ultimately drew me to SPS Technology was the opportunity to help grow a truly differentiated product with applications across multiple industries. The more I learned about the technology and its potential, the more excited I became about the opportunity to help expand SPS throughout the North American market.

Q: What stood out to you most about SPS when you first came across it?

Bobby: Its versatility immediately stood out to me. SPS has applications across such a wide range of industries — from bridges and buildings to maritime, offshore, stadia and arenas — and it solves real-world challenges in a very practical way. The more I learned about the product and the engineering behind it, the more obvious it became that there is significant untapped potential in the North American market.

Q: What have been your initial priorities since stepping into the role?

Bobby: My initial focus has been on understanding the current project pipeline and getting to know the team. I’ve spent my first few weeks listening to better understand the opportunities and challenges across different sectors and regions. Building strong relationships and establishing a solid foundation for long-term growth are key priorities as we continue expanding SPS across North America. From there, we’ll continue strengthening our systems, processes, and procedures to support scalable, long-term growth.

Q: What opportunities do you see for SPS in the North American market?

Bobby: I believe we’re just scratching the surface. Across North America, there’s increasing demand for solutions that improve construction speed, reduce operational disruption, and deliver long-term durability. SPS is uniquely positioned to provide value across multiple sectors and project types. Whether it’s infrastructure rehabilitation, industrial facilities, transportation, or large-scale commercial developments, there is a significant opportunity for SPS to become a more widely adopted solution in the market.

Q: How does SPS align with the increasing demand for efficiency and reduced downtime in the construction industry?

Bobby: That’s one of the areas where SPS delivers tremendous value. Owners and contractors are under constant pressure to minimize downtime, reduce lifecycle costs, and accelerate project schedules — particularly on critical infrastructure and operational facilities. SPS helps address those challenges by enabling faster installation, reducing disruption, and delivering a durable, long-term solution. In many cases, that efficiency translates directly into meaningful cost and time savings for clients.

Q. What advice would you give to those considering SPS for the first time?

Bobby: Keep an open mind and take the time to fully understand what makes SPS different. There really isn’t a directly comparable product on the market today. This technology combines high strength-to-weight performance, vibration damping, durability, and ease of installation, giving it a significant advantage over more traditional solutions in the right applications.

Once engineers, owners, and contractors see the product firsthand and understand its versatility, they quickly recognize the value it can bring — whether that’s reducing downtime, simplifying installation, extending asset life, or improving overall project efficiency. The best place to start is to look at the specific challenges of a project and evaluate where SPS can provide a better long-term solution.

Q: Tell us a fun fact about yourself!

Bobby: I’ve always been fascinated by large-scale infrastructure and construction projects, so even outside of work, I enjoy travelling to different cities and seeing major venues, bridges, and developments in person. I’m also a big believer in building relationships face-to-face, which is one of the things I enjoy most about this industry.