Woodworking machinery supplier Calder Wilkinson Ltd has been bought by industry figure Joe Dowling for a six-figure sum.
The Sowerby Bridge com-pany’s bankers called in receivers at the beginning of last week after fears about its long-term prospects. But days later the company’s assets were purchased by Mr Dowling with funding from the Bank of Scotland.
Mr Dowling, who made an offer to buy £3m-turnover Calder Wilkinson a year ago but, after due diligence, pulled out because of Calder’s high level of debts, has renamed the business Calder Wilkinson Association International Machinery (AIM) Ltd.
Currently a CNC production consultant and previously export sales manager at Buselatto, Mr Dowling intends to return the business to profitability by refocusing operations: ‘We have to change and focus on the supply and support of high-tech machinery,’ he said.
Mr Dowling wants to build the operation’s reputation for quality sales and after sales service.
‘I think there is a really good opportunity here to establish a first-rate supplier of panel equipment in the UK. There is a decent market for a decent company.’
He said that the new Calder Wilkinson business would focus on service and not ‘abandon’ customers once they’d bought a machine.
Mr Dowling has taken on Calder’s 24-strong workforce, but the company’s existing board, headed up by managing director John Morris, has resigned.
Matt Long has been appointed technical director and an managing director of a leading UK wood machinery supplier has been poached to take over shortly as managing director of Calder Wilkinson AIM.
The company will continue manufacturing the Fell range of specialist turning machines and lathes, the Brookman range of dovetailers and the Ryburn stair making range.
