Chemicals business takes majority stake in specialist manufacturer

A Goole-based chemicals business which manufactures products for leading cycling and automotive brands has made its first acquisition with the backing of its long-term investor PHD Industrial Holdings.

Technikraft has acquired a majority stake in Delta Fluid Technology, a West Yorkshire business which provides private label metal-working fluids.

The deal will enable Delta’s co-founder Andrew Fletcher to realise his investment, though he will remain with the company as a consultant and director.

Delta, which was established in 2012, has turnover of around £5m and employs 13 people.

It will continue to operate from its existing plant at Sherburn-in-Elmet under the leadership of its current managing director, Pat Flanagan.

Founded in 1987, Technikraft formulates and makes products for brands in the automotive, household and industrial cleaning, handcare and cycling sectors.

PHD Industrial Holdings first invested in 2018. Since then Technikraft has increased turnover from £6m to over £10m and expanded its team with key hires in operations, procurement and sales.

Following the retirement of the founders in 2023, the company is now led by managing director James Clews, who has focused on enhancing processes and productivity to prepare for future growth.

Clews said: “This deal marks a pivotal moment for both businesses and will make us a stronger force in the market.

“Our mission is to use chemistry to power other companies’ brands. By working in partnership with Delta, we can offer customers a wider product range and enhanced capabilities, enabling them to simplify their supply chains.

“Both businesses will also benefit from numerous synergies and be able to leverage our collective experience and routes to market.

“We’re looking forward to working with the highly skilled team at Delta as we continue to power our customers’ brands and pursue further growth.”

PHD Industrial Holdings, based in Daresbury, Cheshire, invests in established SMEs in traditional industries and operates a “corporate compounder” model which enables it to invest for long-term growth without the need for frequent exits to return funds to investors.

Technikraft is one of six trading businesses in its portfolio which between them have a combined turnover of over £65m.

Philip Price, director at PHD Industrial Holdings, said: “PHD’s investment model focuses on enabling traditional businesses to achieve long-term, sustainable growth and, as Technikraft shows, it provides a genuine alternative to a trade sale for owners seeking an exit.

“We work with owners to help plan their succession while also investing in the business to prepare it for future growth.

“We are confident the Delta acquisition is just the first of many strategic moves for Technikraft.”

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