Blackburn plastics manufacturer acquired by Irish firm

Blackburn plastics manufacturer, Weltonhurst, has been acquired by Irish company Mergon, for an undisclosed sum.

Weltonhurst is a supplier of technical blow moulded components, and has been producing components for the industrial, healthcare and packaging sectors for more than four decades.

Its 40,000 sq m site boasts some of the most advanced production facilities in Europe and is equipped with in-house automation.

Mergon, which has operations in Ireland, South Carolina, the Czech Republic and China, supplies parts for brands like BMW, Rivian, and Xerox. Founded in Westmeath in 1981 by Pat Beirne, a plastics engineer, Mergon has grown to employ more than 700 people across the globe.

The deal, which marks the first acquisition by the company since UK-based private equity firm Elysian Capital purchased a stake in 2019, allows it to both broaden its product range and expand its global footprint.

Mergon CEO, Pat Beirne, said: “The acquisition of Weltonhurst represents a considerable strategic expansion of Mergon’s operations and footprint internationally.

“Operating in the UK will both safeguard seamless service for our UK customers following Brexit and will enhance our capabilities in large part, small volume moulding. We are excited to have the opportunity to extend our services and processes to a new host of UK customers, while also being able to rely on Weltonhurst’s world class facilities to enhance the design and manufacturing capabilities that we can offer to our existing customers.”

He added: “We have ambitious plans to grow our industrial division in the areas of traffic management and packaging products, and this acquisition gives us the springboard to launch that initiative.”

Weltonhurst managing director, Paul Wareing, said: “We have always held Mergon and its products in the highest regard and we look forward to the new heights that our combined efforts and innovation can achieve. We know that our employees and customers have a bright future ahead as we conclude the deal.”

Law firm Addleshaw Goddard advised Mergon on the deal, with the AG team led by Paul Medlicott and Rachael Norris, supported by Thomas Rowen, Nina Goodman, Rachael Martin and Callum Campbell.

Paul Medlicott said: “This acquisition supports the ambitious plans that Mergon has to expand its reach both in terms of geographical footprint and the products it provides to clients in the UK and internationally.

“Having been involved since our longstanding client Elysian Capital invested in Mergon, it is fantastic to see results such as this which will be positive for all concerned.”