Express Engineering, based in Team Valley, Gateshead, has acquired Stokesley-based Burdon Ltd — the North Yorkshire precision engineering company that went into administration on 30 August. More than 70 jobs have been saved as a result of the acquisition of Burdon, which specialises in engine casings for the aerospace industry, as well as making axles and equipment used in landing gear.
Nigel Davison, Express Engineering’s managing director (pictured), said: “We have enjoyed strong growth in recent years, and we were looking for ways to increase capacity. Burdon operated in a very similar field, and so we saw a great opportunity to accelerate our expansion by taking on good people with the right skills. This acquisition will help us fulfill our exciting growth plans while securing jobs and key engineering skills, which could otherwise have been lost.”
Iain Oates, Burdon’s managing director, said he was extremely happy that the deal had been quickly concluded and that staff had kept their jobs. “This is fantastic news for our people and our business, which has some exciting new opportunities with new customers on the horizon.
“Unfortunately, an unexpectedly protracted re-financing process created a cash-flow problem, which threatened to put all this at risk. Express Engineering stepping in means that we can continue to develop these opportunities, particularly with aerospace and plant-sector customers.”