125-strong Manchester vehicle body shop swallowed by Scotland firm

Manchester vehicle body building specialist Alloy Bodies which employs 125 people has been acquired by Scotland-based The Anderson Group.

Alloy Bodies is one of the UK’s most successful companies in its field, producing more than 2,000 commercial vehicle body units a year, generating annual turnover of more than £12m.

It is one of the UK’s largest body unit producers, renowned for its innovative designs for vehicles ranging in size from 3.5 tonne to 26 tonne.

Irvine Anderson, chairman of Lanarkshire-headquartered The Anderson Group, said: “Alloy Bodies is a major UK manufacturer in the commercial vehicle sector and I am delighted that we have added this valuable and exciting company to our group.

“Through our commercial vehicle franchises and haulage companies, we already work with many fleet, contract hire, and rental companies, making Alloy Bodies a perfect fit for The Anderson Group.”

“We have experienced considerable expansion over the last few years through organic growth and acquisition and I would expect, if a deal was right, we will be acquiring further suitable businesses in the future.”

Tim Ward, newly-appointed chief executive of The Anderson Group, brought the acquisition to the attention of the Board of The Anderson Group, and coordinated the deal from start to finish. Tim will continue to look for potential acquisitions and opportunities for growth in his new role.

The deal was supported by HSBC who also provided a full refinance of the group.

Kenny White, corporate relationship director in Scotland, said: “The Anderson Group is an ambitious business with a strong and talented management team.

“The acquisition of Alloy Bodies is a strategic purchase which enhances and expands the services the group already provides and will give the group greater opportunities for growth and investment. HSBC is delighted to support Scottish businesses like The Anderson Group in fulfilling their ambitious plans for future growth.”

The Anderson Group, established in the 1930s and managed by the third generation of the Anderson family, has annual turnover of £240m and employs 566 people in the UK.

Alongside significant and award winning UK commercial truck and van operations, the group has longstanding interests in haulage and property investment.