Mark Moore (pictured), the managing director of West Yorkshire-based Moore International Ltd, a specialist in ballscrews, leadscrews, linear guides and bearings, is returning to his roots after acquiring Poole-based Ashley Power Ltd, also a supplier of bearings, power transmission equipment and other associated engineering products.

He worked for Ashley Power when it was previously called Ashley Bearings back in the 1990s, before leaving in 1997 to set up Moore International with his brother Colin. He made the decision to purchase Ashley Power with a view to building on its long-standing reputation to make it a more dominant force within the industry.

Mr Moore explained: “Having started my career in bearings with Graham Tate and the Ashley Power team in 1984, I worked my way up to director level, but I left in 1997 to start Moore International, my own linear bearing and ballscrew supply company.

“This keeps me busy, especially as we now have full in-house CNC turning and milling capabilities, but I just could not resist the Ashley Power opportunity when Graham recently approached me.”

He added: “Despite the pandemic I am pleased to report that we are already making great progress and I have been able to keep all of the team in employment, even Graham, who is slowly easing into retirement!

“The biggest change I have made so far is to rebrand back to Ashley Bearings, as that is how we are fondly known in Poole, and some people thought the name ‘Ashley Power’ implied we supply gas and electricity.

“As well as bearings, the company stocks a wide range of products including pulleys, gearboxes, motors, couplings, circlips, o-rings, machine feet, seals and lubricants.”