A Black Country engineering firm has bought out a local rival which it says will triple its machining capacity.
Halesowen-based Somers Forge, which specialises in forged parts ranging from small engine components to large shafts, has acquired Oldbury outfit A&B Richardson Engineering which manufactures tools and dies.
The undisclosed acquisition forms part of Somers Forge’s long-term plans to expand machining capacity and capabilities after it said it had seen an increase in demand for finished components.
A&B Richardson has been a sub-contractor of Somers Forge for many years and it will continue to operate under the same name following the buyout.
Alex Cross, production director at Somers Forge, said: "Last year we made a million-pound investment on a new CNC vertical boring machine which will help us to manage capacity for that range of product.
"We also recognised the need for greater capacity with CNC milling so the acquisition of A&B Richardson was the perfect solution.
"The purchase has tripled our CNC machining capacity and further enhanced our capabilities, allowing us to continue to offer competitive lead times and products of the highest quality."