Bolton business acquires rail specialist to extend expertise
Bolton-based Heatrod Industrial has acquired GrayBar, a specialist manufacturer of products for the rail industry, based in Wellingborough, Northants, for an undisclosed sum.
This latest acquisition further consolidates Heatrod’s position in the electric heating market.
Heatrod is part of the Nibe Element – the world’s largest heating element manufacturer – and represents Nibe in the UK.
The acquisition will become part of the Nibe Rail group working closely with the team at Denmark-based San Electro heat, one of Nibe’s specialist rail divisions.
Simon Ellam, Heatrod managing director, said: “At Heatrod Industrial we continue to build our portfolio of industrial heating products and services. Graybar fit our profile of engineered heating solutions and products with approvals and certifications that are well proven within the rail sector.
“We are looking forward to working with the wider Nibe group and our colleagues in Denmark to further develop our presence in the UK rail market.”
Since the formation of GrayBar in 1991 by Graeme Ford and his wife Susan Ford, the specialist rail company has successfully designed and manufactured many innovative products, leading the way in points and heating, and GRP (glass fibre reinforced plastics) distribution systems, with annual sales of around £1.2m and a regular operating profit of 10%.
GrayBar collaborates closely with Network Rail and leading contractors, to be the only UK supplier of self regulating points heating systems, plus cutting edge signalling distribution systems and the largest range of rail approved cable accessories in the industry for use on UK, Irish and European rail, underground and tramway infrastructure.
The 15-strong team offers full in-house design, engineering and commissioning packages.
Graeme Ford said: “I am delighted to see Graybar, a company I formed back in the early 1990’s, now being a valuable part of the NIBE Group. I also look forward to the future, continuing the growth of Graybar, using our strong product base in the rail industry, added together within the strength of the group to further enhance the business opportunities for us all.
“We have an exciting time ahead and my wife Susan and I are very much looking ahead in supporting the business activities.”
While Heatrod and Graybar will work closely with the San Electro team in Denmark, operationally Graybar will form part of Heatrod Industrial.
