Coventry-based components-supplier Arlington Industries has acquired DPE Automotive, which is based in Newton
Aycliffe, Country Durham.
The latter was acquired a year ago by its management team, in a deal driven by lead investor Andrew Lapping, of private-equity firm Hamilton Capital, and entrepreneur Rudi Wright.
Mr Lapping, who is also chairman of DPE Automotive, said that the company “has proved to be a superb investment” and described it as a “great example of the strength and excellence of the North East’s manufacturing and automotive supply sector”.
The company’s managing director, Peter Coates, said that “there has been a real transformation in the business since the buy-out in May 2014.
“Investment has enabled us to quickly expand capacity at the factory and to stabilise and grow the company. Arlington Industries is a major player within the supply chain in both the automotive and aerospace sectors, so DPE Automotive has a very promising future ahead of it.”
Mark Frankel, chief executive of Arlington, said that the acquisition of DPE Automotive “will not only enhance growth, but also assist in the diversification of our customer base”.