American trade buyer swoops for Warrington wood panel innovator
An innovative wood panel processing business from Warrington has been sold to an acquisitive American trade buyer with an eye on international expansion.
Warrington-based Trade Fabrication Systems (TFS), which celebrated its 25th birthday this year, has been sold to Arclin Inc., a US-based strategic acquirer.
The deal, advised by Cowgills, shows the strong appetite from overseas buyers for UK businesses that have invested in and patented new processes and ideas.
Earlier this year TFS, a producer and processor of coated and laminated wood based panel products, with operations in Warrington and Scotland, was awarded a patent in the USA for its TradeCoat ProteX peel clean technology, giving the company a platform for international expansion through the development of strategic partnerships.
Howard Morris, who joined the business in 2009, said the TFS has been a pioneer in peel clean technology since the original concept of peel clean flooring was developed in the early 1980s.
Tom Harrison and Howard Morris with the patent certificate
“We’ve invested in the continuous development of our peel clean flooring systems, which means they have kept pace with industry advances over the years. TradeCoat ProteX has been a huge success in the UK and now, thanks to the new patent, we’re able to make the technology available to USA manufacturers who are looking to enhance their market position.”
Morris, formerly commercial director, was promoted to managing director in 2018, following the retirement of former managing director Jean Richardson. He joined TFS in 2009 as general manager and has overseen the development of the company’s brand and services during that time and had been involved in the UK construction and timber industries for 40 + years, including senior roles with Norbord (formerly Noranda Forest) SIG Plc and Weyerhaeuser.
The business has invested more than £2 million in diversification of operations.
James Kennedy, Deal Advisory Partner at Cowgills, who supported TFS on the transaction said: “Trade Fabrication Systems is a longstanding client, and it has been great to help them get this over the line. I’m pleased that they’ve found a partner in Arclin that can accelerate their continued growth.”
Peter Cowgill, founder of Cowgills, and best known as the executive chairman of JD Sports, was a director of TFS when it formed in 1998 until October 1999.
Arclin see the deal as a route into new markets and products.
“The acquisition of TFS is a key part of our strategy to expand our presence internationally into new regions while also diversifying our product offerings into markets that are related to our core surfacing competencies,” said Matt Pogue, Arclin’s President of Engineered Building Solutions.
Pogue continued: “TFS provides new products and capabilities to Arclin, both in Europe and in North America, thereby supporting and strengthening Arclin’s objective of getting closer to the end consumer while being a key partner in executing Arclin’s Growth & Innovation (G&I) initiatives.”
“TFS celebrated their 25 year anniversary earlier this year and this acquisition marks a transformative moment for the future of the company, unlocking unprecedented resources and growth potential for existing and potential business partners whilst allowing us to sell new products into our current markets, along with cross-selling into new overseas markets,” said TFS Managing Director Howard Morris.
Following the acquisition, TFS will continue to trade under its existing brand name, and operations continue unaffected.
