After a strong trading relationship that has lasted for many years, County Durham-based Midland Steel Traders (MST) has become part of the USCO Group (a leader in the earth-moving machine components after-market sector).

With its headquarters in Birtley and operations in Glasgow and the Birmingham area, MST is a long-standing business that specialises in the supply of parts for earth-moving and construction machinery, as well as their service and
repair.

It was founded in 1963 by Ken Whitehall, and now employs over 80 people at three service workshops and two manufacturing facilities.

Founded in 1989 and based in Modena, Italy, USCO manufactures and distributes an extensive range of undercarriage, ground-engaging tools and repair parts for construction earth-moving machines, through its ITR brand.

It currently employs around 1,600 people at six manufacturing facilities plus 40 distribution and service centres in North America, Europe and Asia.

Rory Whitehall, MST’s managing director (www.msttracks.com), said: “We are looking forward to working as part of a world-beating organisation, so that we can continue to provide the very best service, support and innovation to all of our customers.

"It will give MST and our customers access to powerful new resources, which will allow us to furtherinvest in the organisation and achieve our full potential.”