London-based
Rubix has acquired
West Country Tool Co Ltd (WCT), a leading independent distributor of cutting tools, as part of the Group’s network development strategy.
Established in 1974, Devon-based WCT is a leading value-added supplier of cutting tools and related products across the South of England. The business focuses on indexable carbide tooling and the provision of customer-oriented technical-based solutions, primarily to clients in the precision engineering, aerospace, oil and gas, and automotive sectors.
WCT has 23 employees at its facility in Newton Abbot and generated sales of £7 million last year. It will become part of the specialist Rubix Cutting and Machining division, but will retain its existing branding.
Tim Lloyd, WCT managing director, said: “This is an exciting time for WCT. Becoming part of the Rubix family provides a unique opportunity to realise our full potential. Our geographical footprint and offering will grow, and sales synergies will emerge instantly for both businesses.
“We are extremely proud of the relationships we have built with our customers and suppliers over many years. As well as continuing to do business with us, they will now benefit from the full access to the greater resources we will enjoy as a key part of Rubix in the UK.”
Vince McGurk, CEO of Rubix in the UK, Ireland and Iceland, said: “WCT is a very exciting new member of the Rubix family. It consolidates Rubix’s leadership in the cutting tools and machining market and adds a significant presence in the South of England. It adds further knowledge and expertise to our Group and creates immediate opportunities for us all.
“This is not just a coming together of two businesses with synergies in terms of their products and services, but also of businesses with a passion for the very highest levels of customer service and engineering excellence.
“WCT will have access to our full product range, and Rubix Group is delighted to provide our customers in the region with access to WCT’s cutting tools expertise and product portfolio which builds and extends our existing offer in this key precision engineering sector.”
Peter Jevons, the chairman of WCT, who co-founded the business in 1974, will retire from the business, while Tim Lloyd and Adrian Seymour (sales director) will remain in their current roles.