Bakery experts join forces to become one of largest operators in UK

BAKERY manufacturer Dowson Food Machinery has acquired industry specialist JBS, in a deal which brings together two of the UK’s most experienced bakery equipment firms and makes the company one of the largest operators of its kind in the UK.

Both companies are well established leaders in their field. Yorkshire’s Dowson was founded by current managing director John Murgatroyd in 1982 and specialises in custom-made bakery equipment, widely used by leading bakeries such as Warburtons, Fine Lady, Brace’s and Premier. It claims to have 70% UK market share.  

JBS was founded by Roger Jackson in 1980 and specialises in roll, bun and flatbread lines, decorating units, oven loaders, dividers and moulders. It’s roll lines are used all over the UK by companies such as Greggs and Delifrance.

The acquisition by Bingley-based Dowson will bring together complementary technologies and help to expand the business.

Dowson’s commercial manager, Nick Lacey, said: “Both Dowson and JBS had developed strong in-house manufacturing capabilities. The new organisation brings together all this UK-based engineering expertise so we can offer an even wider range of products and systems to customers, here in the UK and worldwide, too.”

The company has already got a project in the pipeline with a new divider/moulder.

Mr Lacey said: “This acquisition will bring benefits to our existing and future customers, as we now have a strengthened offer and can take concepts right through to successful, finished products.  Our British-built machines are in use all over the world, from Russia to South Africa, and we’re all looking forward to future UK and export successes.”

According to Mr Lacey, Dowson’s exports have been “quite strong” in the US, South Africa and Australia with 25% of the business now exports.

The acquisition took place earlier this year after Manchester firm JBS went into administration. Manchester accountancy firm Leonard Curtis were appointed as administrators.

Mr Lacey said the new business, which has a team of 60, is now concentrating on working together and said in the future the company hopes to expand.

The acquisition has resulted in the West Yorkshire office being complemented by a site in Peterborough. Mr Jackson will stay on as sales consultant to Dowson Food Machinery.