Macclesfield-based Bodycote (www.bodycote.com), a provider of heat treatment and specialist thermal processing services, has agreed to acquire US-based Ellison Surface Technologies, thereby creating one of the world’s largest providers of thermal spray and engineered coating surface technology services to the aerospace industry.

Ellison’s business — primarily focused on the aerospace market — will complement Bodycote’s existing surface technology business, which has seen strong growth in recent years.

Ellison employs around 400 people at six sites in the USA, Canada and Mexico; it generated revenues of £38 million in 2018 and anticipates revenues of £44 million for 2019.

Stephen Harris, Bodycote group chief executive, said: “Ellison’s business is one that we have long respected, and it is a perfect strategic fit for Bodycote’s aerospace and Specialist Technologies businesses.”

The combined organisation will be able to deliver industry-leading solutions that address aerospace customers’ heat treatment and specialist thermal processing requirements.

It is anticipated that the transaction will be completed during the first quarter of this year.

Bodycote has more than 180 accredited facilities in 23 countries; it is the world’s largest provider of heat treatment and specialist thermal processing services.

It improves the properties of metals and alloys, extending the life of vital components for a wide range of industries, including aerospace, defence, automotive, power generation, oil and gas, construction, medical and transportation.

Customers in all of these industries have entrusted their products to Bodycote’s care for more than 30 years.