BEP Surface Technologies, a leading electroplating and surface finishing specialist, has announced the acquisition of internationally renowned consultancy Plating Solutions to accelerate its growth and innovation strategy.
Based in Huddersfield, Plating Solutions is a specialised metal finishing plant design and equipment consultancy launched 20 years ago by industry luminary John Torr. The business boasts a raft of UK and international clients and is a chemical stockist for plating solutions.
For an undisclosed sum, the strategic acquisition marks BEP’s significant expansion and positions it as a forerunner in the UK’s metal plating and specialty chemicals trading. It enhances BEP’s capabilities to serve diverse industries.
Established more than half a century ago, BEP operates in the plastics, defence, energy, power generation, and nuclear sectors, offering unique solutions to contemporary challenges in cutting-edge industries, including EV battery production.
The deal will allow for the eventual retirement of Torr, who will take a consultant’s role and lead a team of commercial staff and chemical engineers.
Commenting on the acquisition, Andrew McClusky, Managing Director of BEP Surface Technologies, said: “We are thrilled to welcome John Torr and the Plating Solutions clients into the BEP family. John’s unparalleled expertise and dedication to advancing surface technologies perfectly align with our mission to drive innovation and excellence in engineering.”
This acquisition marks another significant milestone for BEP, which recently launched BEP Solutions to accelerate international R&D partnerships to solve global challenges in surface coating.
“John’s stellar reputation in innovation and problem-solving has been instrumental in providing cutting-edge solutions to clients across the UK and internationally,” added McClusky. “Our recently launched innovation arm, BEP Solutions, will benefit from his deep understanding of process chemistry and commitment to excellence, which have earned him recognition as a leader in the field.”
Torr, who has over 55 years of experience developing pioneering electroplating solutions, shared his excitement about the partnership.
John Torr said, “Joining forces with BEP Solutions presents an exciting opportunity for me to share my expertise. I am confident that we will continue to deliver exceptional solutions while driving innovation in metal plating. I look forward to contributing to BEP’s visionary projects and leading a team of passionate professionals toward new heights of success.”
BEP has a strong track record of collaborating with international governments, academia and businesses to address challenges within existing and emerging sectors. This includes developing a novel graphene-impregnated copper coating in partnership with the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC) in Manchester, chill roll process optimisation for a leading global food packaging manufacturer, surface coatings research for a major defence supplier, and driving research into the development of copper-coated containers for global nuclear waste management organisations.
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