Member Article

Family business plans for growth after takeover

A FAMILY business which manufactures, supplies and installs glass fixtures and fittings has outlined ambitious growth plans after undergoing a multi-million pound takeover.

Peterlee Glass was recently acquired by Brownhills Investment in a deal supported by the Business Growth Fund (BGF) with a £2.9m finance package.

Now the company’s Managing Director, Graeme Hawes, has spoken about his aims for the business in what he believes is an exciting year ahead.

Graeme said: “As part of our business development strategy, we wanted a financial backer that could offer long-term, flexible support without taking control.

“Brownhills Investment was aware of us, and likewise we knew that they were actively expanding their portfolio, so the acquisition was a natural fit for us both.

“Now, as we move forward from the investment, we know it will be an exciting year for us, with ambitions to expand into new markets nationally and internationally and increase our workforce.

“Becoming part of the Brownhills Investment portfolio is massive opportunity for us. But the key thing is our customers won’t see any difference in the day to say service they receive from us. It’s business as usual and I remain Managing Director with the same team around me.”

Brownhills’ move for the company comes after similar agreements for operations across the UK.

Peterlee Glass was founded in 1977 by the Hawes family and makes glass doors, screens, shop fronts and balustrades, carrying out projects for hospitals, airports and universities.

Last year, the company spent more than £500,000 on new machinery as part of a drive to strengthen its industry position.

Graeme added: “Last year was a big year for us in terms of our growth and with this investment we can continue that on a bigger scale.

“We are now in a position to offer services that we previously couldn’t, therefore opening new doors that might not have been available to us before.

“I definitely believe the acquisition will mean only good things for Peterlee Glass and I think everyone associated with the company is excited as to what lies ahead.”

The company’s customers include Primark, Fenwick and TK Maxx.

They were also contracted to supply glass panels for installation at the Metro Centre and Eldon Square and have worked on projects as far afield as Cardiff, Dijon, Marseille and Dusseldorf.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Leanne English .