Fife engineering firm Ardmel group has announced the acquisition of AD Precision.
The Glenrothes-based company specialise in machinery and seam sealing tapes for products in the clothing, electronics and automobile industries.
Engineers from fellow-Fifers AD Precision will now be headquartered in Ardmel’s new Glenrothes facility. They have been renamed as Ardmel Precision.
Ardmel Group also encompasses Keela Outdoors and Ilasco Manufacturing.
The newly acquired company has expertise in manufacturing small, intricate prototype batches as well as large-scale production runs.
It is the largest deal in Ardmel’s 50-year history, with the purchase fee remaining confidential for commercial reasons.
John Trolland, of AD Precision, will become a director at Ardmel Group.
The deal was finalised in May.
Machines, outdoor jackets and pants
Founded in 1973, Ardmel has progressed as a special purpose automated machine manufacturer, and made machines for companies including BMW, Levis and Skandvik.
Ardmel also produces bonding machines, lasers, strip cutters, and testing equipment to manufacturers in more than 70 countries globally.
As well as outdoor clothing and car materials, the group is involved in the manufacturer of intimates and underwear.
During the pandemic, the firm doubled its workforce and moved to new premises to create 500,000 gowns for the NHS.
In 2021, they expanded their workforce to over 100 and opened a 930-square-metre factory in Glenrothes.
The workforce has fluctuated in the interim, with around 70 employees now working with the group.
Samantha Fernando, sales director, said the purchase allowed Ardmel to offer precision engineering on a micrometre scale — around a hairsbreadth — for the first time.
“This is an incredibly exciting acquisition.
“Some of the machinery AD Precision work with is fascinating, it is incredibly high precision, technically difficult work.
“They work to incredibly accurate design specifications.
“This in turn allows us as a group to venture into different markets.
“We can offer even more high quality product to clients across the world.
“There will be a lot of cross-idea thinking between our two teams now, and innovation can flourish as the two teams come together.”
Ms Fernando noted that for the garment production side of the company, business was booming.
“I know I say this almost every year, but the past twelve months have been some of our best.
“But it is a tough market, in engineering.
“And this high level of investment is how we will secure our company for the future.
“We have taken the decision to invest, even while things are tough.
“It is difficult, but we are trying to think outside the box to secure the future.”
Acquisition a ‘step toward advancement’
Ruwan Fernando, Ardmel Group operations director said: “We are truly excited to welcome Ardmel Precision into our ever-growing portfolio of companies and continue to expand our expertise across the automotive and apparel sectors.
“As a business, we always strive to push the boundaries of innovation in our industry, and the acquisition of AD Precision is yet another step towards the advancement of our technologies.
“Their expertise, ambition, and focus to deliver high-quality solutions perfectly align with our values and will play a significant in our mission to provide a superior service to our clients worldwide.”
