Birmingham-based manufacturer Hills Numberplates has expanded with the acquisition of a US business in an undisclosed deal. The company has acquired 100% of the privately-held shares of John R (www.hillsnumberplates.com).

Wald Company, which was founded in 1924 and operates from a 26,000ft² facility in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania. It has an established portfolio of licence plate products and engineered systems.

It will operate as a division of Hills but will maintain its company name, brand and workforce of 26.

This acquisition, together with that of French market leader, Faab Fabricauto in 2015, has positioned Hills as the third-largest number plate supplier in the world.

Richard Taffinder, Hills Group managing director, said: “Our own global leadership in the licence plate industry and 90 years of experience, combined with our advanced manufacturing processes and well-established supply chain, will drive new and innovative licence plate solutions as well as an expanded product portfolio that will satisfy the evolving needs of Wald customers and the wider market in the Americas and beyond.”