Metamark expands through acquisition of Midlands operation

A new acquisition by self-adhesive materials manufacturer Metamark UK will see it grow in size and target new markets.

The Lancaster-based company has acquired the specialised conversion division of Midlands-based industrial markings producer Fleet Design. 

The deal will enhance Metamark's technical capabilities, production hardware, personnel and premises, building on its expertise in industrial-scale self-adhesive materials manufacture and conversion. 

Metamark’s existing conversion facilities turn its off-the-mill production output into packaged materials in a wide range of formats used by Metamark customers around the world in the production of signs and graphics. 

With its newly acquired capabilities, Metamark says it will be able to access new markets for its self-adhesive materials. Products for these markets include vehicle conspicuity markings required for highway maintenance compliant vehicle livery, and statutory Chapter 8 vehicle markings.

Paul French, Metamark CEO, said: "The additional expertise and conversion capabilities we’re building into Metamark’s business will help us serve the needs of more customers and to deliver our class-leading materials into new markets.

"Metamark’s existing customer base has an appetite for specialised conversion output and reflective markings too. As part of the Metamark family, our new division immediately has access to a whole swathe of new customers that may have been difficult to find in the past.”

Duncan Richards, Fleet Design managing director and founder, added: "As an entrepreneur I’ve always been driven by a vision of seeing something I’ve created reaching a milestone in its development that takes it forward with the resources it needs to grow and really deliver its potential. That’s now happened.

"I’m thrilled at the idea of what the future holds for all involved, including the customers we’ve attracted by revolutionising the way reflective markings are made and sold. The acquisition is a great move for Metamark and it looks just as bright from my side of the table too."

Integration of the Fleet design business into Metamark begins immediately with Metamark offering its customers access to Fleet design products. With much of Metamark’s existing materials production being sold to producers of vehicle liveries, Metamark says the synergy will deliver immediate and positive results.