Paul Lynch from Helix Tool with Floyd Automatic’s retiring owner and managing director Richard FloydHelix Tool Company Ltd, a leading UK cutting tool distributor, has acquired Baldock-based
Floyd Automatic Tooling Ltd following the decision of owners Richard and Chantal Floyd to retire from the business after 35 years.
With branches in Leeds and Durham, Helix Tool has an ambitious growth strategy that includes consolidating the industrial tooling distribution market. With a reputation built upon 30 years of delivering exceptional product lines and performance-based industrial solutions, the acquisition of Floyd Automatic, effective from 6 January, will enable Helix Tool to penetrate a new target audience.
In an undisclosed transaction, the Leeds-based business has made a double acquisition of Floyd Automatic Tooling Ltd and
Nsert-UK Ltd based in Washington, Tyne and Wear. The acquisitions are highly complementary and in line with Helix’s organic and mergers and acquisitions-led strategy.
Discussing the purchase of Floyd Automatic, Matt Cattell, CEO of Helix Tools holding company, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Floyd Automatic into the Helix family. This announcement signifies a strong start to 2025 for Helix, and we are confident that customers will see significant benefits in terms of product offering and exceptional technical expertise.”
Fantastic business and teamRichard Floyd, the retiring owner and managing director of Floyd Automatic, said: “I started Floyd Automatic Tooling in 1990 with the support of my father, Bill. Over the last 35 years, we have built a fantastic business and an incredibly talented team that I am extremely proud of. We aimed to introduce Swiss-type tooling innovations to provide solutions for sliding head-turning centres and CAM auto users.
Over the decades, our offering has expanded rapidly in line with both the technology and the requirements of the marketplace. We have built partnerships with suppliers and customers that have spanned decades; many business relationships are now close friendships. The staff and management team at Floyd Automatic will undoubtedly take the Floyd brand, relationships, service and product portfolio forward with new vigour – and I wish our new owners every success in the future.”
Paul Lynch, Helix Tool managing director, said: “As part of our strategy to consolidate the industrial tooling supply network in the UK, Floyd Automatic is a fantastic acquisition for our business. Floyd Automatic has always had a reputation for delivering high-end niche solutions with expertise that reaches far beyond that of its rivals.
“This acquisition will allow Helix customers to have streamlined access to Floyd Automatic’s products, solutions, and technical expertise. We want to extend our gratitude to Richard Floyd for building a robust, unique and successful business, and we are relishing the opportunity to take the company forward with the talented staff that will now be part of the Helix family.”