Bosses buy Trafford Rubber Products

A RUBBER products company has changed hands after being acquired by five managers.

Trafford Rubber Products, which operates from three sites in Trafford Park, has been bought in a MBO deal led by commercial director Chris Brindle.

Founded in in 1986, Trafford Rubber Products makes rubber compounds which are used in a diverse range of applications including roller coverings for paper, steel mills, tank lining for road tankers, hoses for pneumatic equipment, aircraft chocks and roof linings.

The 30-strong company has  customers in 20 different countries including Finland, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Estonia, South Africa, Poland, Sweden and Denmark.

Chris Brindle said: “Trafford Rubber Products is a strong and expanding company employing skilled labour in its manufacturing facility in Trafford Park. The UK economy needs businesses like Trafford Rubber to thrive, to export and to provide not only continuation of employment for existing employees but opportunities for apprentices who wish to develop their skills in polymer science, marketing and other areas.”

The members of the buyout team are: managing director Les Cotton, operations director Paul Keeley, technical director Kevin Smith and sales director Chris Mathews.

The new owners are planning to recruit and want to offer apprenticeships to polymer science graduates and potentially jobs to marketing graduates.

Advisers included law firm Ward Hadaway for the MBO team.

Funding for the MBO was provided by Shawbrook, who were advised by Bermans, supported by Praetura Capital.

Corporate finance advice to the MBO team was provided by Mark Jenkinson at Plutus.  Hill Dickinson provided legal advice to the vendors.