Today it has been announced that Leyland-based manufacturer Flexcrete Technologies Ltd has been acquired by leading global paints and coatings company AkzoNobel which employs approximately 46,000 people in around 80 countries, with a product portfolio including well-known brands such as Dulux.
As part of the acquisition, 100% of the shares in Flexcrete Technologies Ltd have been acquired by AkzoNobel. Flexcrete is the UK’s leading independent manufacturer of technical mortars and high performance coatings for the construction and associated industries. All 34 Flexcrete staff have been retained and the company will continue to be managed on a day-to-day basis by original Founders Graham James OBE and Chris Lloyd, who formed the firm back in 1983.
Flexcrete operates from a large head office and manufacturing complex on Leyland’s Tomlinson Industrial Estate and AkzoNobel is committed to a long-term presence on the existing Flexcrete site in Leyland. Flexcrete has been working alongside AkzoNobel since 2010 with the introduction of the Intercrete range of mortars and cementitious coatings which have proven highly successful when used in combination with the established AkzoNobel resin-based coating and lining systems.
Graham James OBE, Co-Founder of Flexcrete Technologies Ltd said: “The acquisition represents major investment in the UK and the North West in particular, and we are very excited about the huge benefits that it will bring. We will benefit enormously from access to AkzoNobel’s Technical Centre in Felling where over 300 staff focus on R&D related activities and the intention is to strengthen the Flexcrete brand and to increase sales both in the UK and overseas, so we anticipate significant growth over the coming years.
“Although it will remain very much business as usual for both our customers and our staff, the acquisition will enable us to build on our capabilities as a niche technology provider with the development of new, innovative and sustainable solutions for our target markets. Flexcrete products align perfectly with AkzoNobel’s product portfolio and we see an opportunity to grow both the Flexcrete and Intercrete ranges and reach new markets around the world,” he continued.
AkzoNobel employs approximately 46,000 people in around 80 countries, with a product portfolio which includes well-known brands such as Dulux, Sikkens, International, Interpon and Eka. The acquisition of Flexcrete Technologies Ltd expands AkzoNobel’s manufacturing and innovation footprint in the UK, adding to recently announced investments in the country of around €113 million. AkzoNobel currently employs 3,300 people in its UK business, which generates revenue of around €1 billion.
Editor’s Note: Flexcrete Technologies Ltd was founded in Leyland, Lancashire, in 1983 by Graham James OBE and Chris Lloyd. The company is technology-driven, always pioneering the use of waterborne technology, and manufactures a wide range of concrete repair mortars, fairing coats, waterproof cementitious coatings and decorative protective coatings.
Markets include the repair and protection of buildings and commercial construction, civil engineering and infrastructure, the water industry, the marine sector and the protection of hygiene sensitive environments. Flexcrete products are available from stockholding distributors all around the UK and the company also has a global presence through international agents and distributors in 65 countries worldwide, with export sales accounting for over 50% of its business. Flexcrete has been named one of the North West’s leading companies for exporting for five years in a row. The Department for International Trade (DIT) has awarded Flexcrete the prestigious title of North West Export Champion, with special responsibilities for supporting and inspiring other exporters.
