Darwen-based WEC Group creates “major new force” with HTA acquisition

Engineering and fabrication firm WEC Group has expanded with the acquisition of Coventry-based metal fabricator HTA Group.

Following the deal WEC Group, which is based in Darwen, Lancashire, has become an 800-employee firm with a projected turnover of £75m.

Founded in 1973, HTA employs 130 people and boasts a £10m annual turnover. The firm’s services include the supply of laser-cut parts, fabricated assemblies and sheet metal components.

HTA’s managing director, Adam Thomas, is assisting the newly expanded business on a consultancy basis, while his brother Philip will remain “a key member” of the HTA team, according to WEC Group.

Wayne Wild, the commercial director of WEC Group, said: “This is an exciting new chapter for HTA Group, its workforce and its present and future customers.

“HTA’s partnership with WEC Group, announced today, will create a major new force in the UK’s laser cutting and fabrication sector and allows both companies to offer more to our customers.”

He added: “Continuous investment in new technology and in our workforce has been the hallmark of the WEC Group’s success and we’re delighted to welcome HTA into our growing family. It’s a really great fit for our business.”

Speaking further, Wayne said WEC Group plans to build on HTA’s “reputation for high quality work, service and delivery” following the acquisition.

The commercial director continued: “The expanded group makes us one of the largest laser cutting and fabrication operations in the UK. It means we can offer more services and skills to our customers.”

In 2015 HTA, which operates from a 90,000 sq ft facility in Coventry, invested over £2m in automated laser profiling technology. By joining WEC Group, the new business will have 23 laser cutting machines across all its operations.

Over the past year, WEC Group has ploughed around £11m into buying new machinery and expanding its footprint.

Commenting on the deal further, Wayne said: “The coming together of both companies paves the way to future success – not only for our businesses but for our customers as well.

“In more than 35 years of trading we have always grown the business in a strategic and sustainable way. This deal continues that approach.”

He added: “We have continued to invest in the future, both in terms of technology and in training, with the only in-house welding and fabrication training academy of its kind in the country - ranked in the top three in the UK as an apprenticeship provider.”

Back in February, WEC Group funded a partnership deal to acquire the business and some assets of Rotherham-based MTL Group when it fell into administration, saving 135 jobs and creating 55 more with additional investment. Today, the firm trades as MTL Advanced.

HTA Group MD Adam Thomas, said: “The synergy with WEC Group is very strong and this deal makes both businesses much stronger entities. It really enhances our capabilities and capacity and that is a major advantage to all our customers.

“I would like to place on record my family’s thanks to the staff at HTA who, in more than 40 years, have provided a first class service to our loyal customer base.”

The founder and managing director of WEC Group, Steve Hartley, said he believes the decision to acquire HTA is a “logical move” for the company.

Steve added: “We look forward to the future with growing confidence.”

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →