A Wakefield modular building manufacturer has snapped up a specialist business in moves to boost the growing group’s offering.
Thurston Group, launched in 1970, is one of the Ƶ’s largest designers and manufacturers of portable and modular buildings, supplying construction, logistics, education and temporary industrial and commercial environments, including specialised buildings for offshore needs. The group was acquired by private industrial investment company HLD Group in 2021 through a £16m facility that formed part of the total acquisition cost.
Now the group – which has around 350 staff set across three sites, in Wakefield, Catfoss and Ottringham – has acquired Storplan, a specialist fabrication business to increase its fabrication capacity and product offering, for an undisclosed sum. Thurston Group will have secure access to Storplan’s 1,900 sqm manufacturing facility in York, which will provide additional fabrication capacity for the firm’s current and future projects.
The group said the strategic move will allow the company to carry out larger structural steel projects and more complex modular construction work, along with those involving cantilever racking and cages, warehouse racking and fabrications for buildings which will now be done under the Thurston brand.
Storplan was established in 2000 and has developed a reputation as a leading specialist fabricator and supplier of mezzanine floors, racking and partitioning for retail and industrial storage across the Ƶ. All of Storplan’s employees will be retained, and the additional site is expected to give Thurston Group the ability to consolidate fabrication, reducing the need for outsourcing, controlling costs, increasing productivity, and improving overall product quality control.
Storplan was previously acquired in 2019 by MBP Holdings Ltd, which is also part of the HLD Group. The combined group will oversee a portfolio of over 100 clients with turnover in excess of £60m.
Matt Goff, managing director at Thurston Group said: “This strategic move creates a multitude of opportunities for both businesses, and we will be collaborating with Storplan’s existing management team, who will remain with the company.
“The acquisition demonstrates our dedication to growth and expansion, positioning us for sustained success and strengthening our industry standing. We look forward to driving innovation, seamlessly integrating Storplan’s strengths and experience into our operations, and delivering greater value to all our stakeholders.”
Demis Ohandjanian, CEO of HLD Group added: “This is an excellent partnership for both companies. Storplan joining forces with a company such as Thurston will allow the business to further develop, offer improved services, and build stronger, long-term customer relationships.”
