ASG Group managing director Simon WestonManchester-based
Aero Services Global Group (ASG) has acquired one of Liverpool’s oldest surface treatment specialists and is now looking to maximise its new ‘one-stop’ capability with aerospace clients around the globe.
The group, which is run by Simon Weston and backed by Amin Amiri of a2e Industries, has purchased Liverpool-based King & Fowler in a deal that will safeguard all 59 jobs at the firm and signal a new investment drive in processes and plant.
The move will enhance the enlarged group’s operating efficiencies, provide access to an enhanced blue-chip client base and make the most of a number of synergies that should increase sales for both parties.
‘One-stop’ engineering portfolioIt also brings a new manufacturing discipline to the rapidly expanding North West group, with it now able to access world class anodising, plating, heat treatment and non-destructive testing. This means that ASG will be able to deliver a ‘one-stop’ engineering portfolio from tooling and machining through to assembly and finishing.
ASG managing director Simon Weston said: “We are delighted to welcome King & Fowler to the ASG family and see this acquisition as a strategic fit, adding more capability to our portfolio as it strengthens our commitment to customers, providing end-to-end capabilities for commercial and military aerospace contracts.
“Its reputation in the aerospace sector is well respected, with Nadcap accreditation and over 15 customers approvals already in place. More importantly, it has unrivalled expertise in the surface treatment of critical components and, with renewed investment, we believe we have the opportunity to grow sales by 30% over the next twelve months.”
He continued: “This will involve the creation of a number of new jobs and the opportunity to complete work for other domestic and international member companies in ASG.”
Mark Huddleston, who remains as director of King & Fowler, said: “We have joined a well managed, growing and ideally positioned group, with a clear vision of providing world-class services to customers and deploying a ‘partner of choice’ ethos.
“While we have been approached on a number of occasions by potential buyers, the investment record and market growth of ASG made this the right next step and we look forward to upgrading our facilities while supporting the group in its strategic objectives.”
Manchester-based Aero Services Global Group manufactures and sub-assembles detail airframe structural equipment and aero engine components for more than 20 leading OEMs and Tier One suppliers.
Founded in 2015 with the aim of helping a global customer base consolidate their supply chains through innovation and efficiencies, it started operations with the acquisition of Phoenix Ltd and now has eight subsidiary companies, including Arrowsmith Engineering, B&H Precision Tooling, Datum, Ludolph, TGM and AMF Precision Engineering.
The group, which employs over 350 people and has annual sales of over £43 million, is split into two core divisions focusing on aerospace and tooling, providing a wide range of products from simple brushes, complex mill turned components and small, medium and large five-axis milled parts to tooling, transportation media and fixtures for existing and next generation aircraft fuselages and wings.
Amin Amiri, founder and CEO of a2e Industries, has developed ASG with Simon Weston, completing eight acquisitions over the last six years.
He concluded: “It is pleasing to witness the birth and continuous strategic development of our business. We will cultivate King & Fowler‘s capabilities as a transformative catalyst to enhance shareholder value and profile in the industry.”