Manchester firm Aero Services Global Group (ASG) has acquired one of Liverpool's oldest surface treatment specialists in a move that will safeguard 59 jobs and signal a fresh investment drive.
Aerospace firm ASG has swooped for Liverpool firm King & Fowler, strengthening its manufacturing offer, with the firm now looking to maximise its 'one-stop' capability with clients all over the world.
The Manchester-based group, which is run by Simon Weston and backed by Amin Amiri of a2e Industries, said it will now launch a new investment drive in processes and plant at its Liverpool factory.
The move will enhance the group’s operating efficiencies, provide access to an extended blue chip client base and make the most of a "number of synergies" that should increase sales for both parties.
Simon Weston, Group MD of ASG, said: “We are delighted to welcome King & Fowler to the ASG family and see this acquisition as a strategic fit, adding more capability to our portfolio.
"This acquisition strengthens our commitment to our customers, providing end-to-end capabilities for commercial and military aerospace contracts.
“Its reputation in the aerospace sector is well respected, with Nadcap accreditation and over 15 customers approvals already in place.
"More importantly, it has unrivalled expertise in the surface treatment of critical components and, with renewed investment, we believe we have the opportunity to grow sales by 30% over the next twelve months.”
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King & Fowler also brings a new manufacturing discipline to the quickly expanding North West group, with it now able to access anodising, plating, heat treatment and non-destructive testing.
This means that ASG will be able to deliver a ‘one-stop’ engineering portfolio from tooling and machining to assembly and finishing.
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Mr Weston continued: “This will involve the creation of a number of new jobs and the opportunity to complete work for other domestic and international member companies in ASG.”
Mark Huddleston, who remains director of King & Fowler, added: "We have joined a well-managed, growing and ideally positioned group, with a clear vision of providing world class services to customers and deploying a ‘partner of choice’ ethos.
“While we have been approached on a number of occasions by potential buyers, the investment record and market growth of ASG made this the right next step and we look forward to upgrading our facilities whilst supporting the group in their strategic objectives."
Manchester-based Aero Services Global Group manufactures and sub-assembles detail airframe structural equipment and aero engine components. It employs over 350 people with annual sales of over £43m.
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Mr Amiri of a2e Industries added: “It is pleasing to witness the birth and continuous strategic development of our business.
"We will cultivate King & Fowler‘s capabilities as a transformative catalyst to enhance shareholder value and profile in the industry.”
Aero Services Global Group was advised by Claire Checketts and Sarah Maddocks of Shoosmiths Solicitors LLP, with the Huddleston family advised by Richard Moorehead of HNH Group.