This morning the firm revealed it has bought a Toronto-based geotechnical specialist Geo-Foundations Contractors for around £6m.

Geo-Foundations principally serves eastern Canada, where it offers design-build service to construction and mining industries.

Keller joins main contractors Laing O’Rourke, Carillion and Balfour Beatty in targeting Canada as a prime country to build an expanding construction operation.

Geo-Foundations has built a strong engineering reputation and has grown its revenue to around £12m last year.

The business specialises in micro-piling, ground anchors, and specialty grouting services which, whilst well established in the US, are still relatively new to the Canadian market.

A combination of increasing market acceptance of these techniques in Canada, along with the introduction of ground improvement techniques and assistance from Keller’s existing US business, is expected to fuel significant growth over time.

Justin Atkinson, chief executive of Keller, said: “Keller has worked in partnership with Geo-Foundations on a number of projects in recent years, building a relationship of mutual respect.

“I am confident that, together, we are well-positioned to fully exploit the opportunities in this attractive market.

“This acquisition builds on our strong track record of expanding into higher growth geographic regions through both organic growth and targeted acquisitions.”