Engineering group on growth drive following swoop for established family firm

Salford-based engineering group, Langfields, today (December 9) completed the acquisition of WH Capper, one of the UK’s historic brands in welding engineering and process equipment, for an undisclosed sum.

Established in 1934 by William Henry Capper near Warrington, the business designs and manufactures pressure equipment for multiple markets.

The deal will see Langfields take up a majority equity share in the business while retaining the key skills of the WH Capper team.

Langfields managing director, Neil Yates, said: “WH Capper have a great reputation in the UK and worldwide for pressure component manufacturing and advanced welding processes.

“We expect their skilled staff and strategic facilities will support our growth ambitions, where we are experiencing significant demand in new markets such as hydrogen, nuclear power and waste-to-energy.”

WH Capper managing director, Eric Booth, welcomed the acquisition as a boost for the business’s growth ambitions: “Capper is a genuine family business which has built its reputation on quality workmanship and high levels of service.

“Demand for our offering has been steadily increasing in recent years, and we believe the opportunity to partner with Langfields will enable this growth to be achieved.

“Langfields, themselves, have a reputation for technical solutions and exceptional standards, so we believe the strategic and cultural fit will enhance our business.”

Langfields is an engineering group that specialises in the design and manufacture of pressure containment equipment. It says its 200+ staff are at the forefront of welding automation, supporting multiple process industries in worldwide locations.

It is owned by Envoy & Partners. Its founders are building a portfolio of industrial service groups, including a growth strategy for Langfields in the coming years.