Coventry pump manufacturer sold to US-based sanitary specialist

Coventry-based pump manufacturer Whitehouse Industries has sold its Flotronic division to Unibloc Pump, a US-based provider of sanitary flow control solutions.

Founded in 1990, Flotronic is a specialist air operated double diaphragm manufacturer that serves more than 1,000 global companies operating manufacturing facilities of iconic brands
in food and beverage, consumer product goods, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and other critical process manufacturing.

The company has developed a global reputation as the inventor of the pioneering “One Nut” pump, which uses a single bolt design that significantly reduces process downtime by simplifying assembly and disassembly, providing savings in maintenance costs.

Whitehouse Industries, founded by Midlands-based entrepreneur Stuart Whitehouse, acquired the business in 2019.

Since then the manufacturer has recorded significant growth in Europe and North America, and seen profitability more than double.

Whitehouse said: “We are delighted to have completed the sale of Flotronic to Unibloc.

“Importantly both companies share complementary market footprints, the combination will enable Unibloc Pump to grow its UK and European business whilst also giving Flotronic an
unmatched North American foothold which will improve our market coverage.”

The shareholders of Whitehouse Industries were advised by Birmingham-based Springboard corporate finance partner David Neate and assistant director Jamie Berry.

Neate said: “This transaction is truly complementary and will provide additional opportunity for both Unibloc and Flotronic. An exciting future lies ahead for both businesses.

“This deal also demonstrates the attractiveness of the UK market in the post Brexit environment. International buyers particular from the US still view the UK as a gateway to Europe. This is the third transaction we have advised Stuart on and we are delighted to have delivered a great outcome for him.”

Legal advice was provided by Graham Spalding at Lodders.

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