Wadkin has finally “come home”, according to woodworking machinery supplier Daltons, which has acquired the intellectual property rights of Wadkin for an undisclosed sum.
The move, which brings together two woodworking machinery suppliers who have traded with each other for 50 years, follows the liquidation of Wadkin Ltd earlier this year.
Daltons’s director Francis Dalton, who has been negotiating the purchase of Wadkin’s rights since the liquidation, said the Wadkin brand would be operated alongside Daltons’ business as a machine manufacturer and distributor, also offering machine service, training and parts supply.
A number of Wadkin personnel have transferred to Daltons’ Nottingham base, including commercial manager Alan Powney.
“I have been working with Wadkin and selling Wadkin machines for the whole of my working life,” said Daltons’ director Francis Dalton.
“Our company has been distributors for Wadkin since 1956 and it is surely fitting that the Wadkin name has finally come home where I feel it belongs.”
Mr Dalton said Wadkin represented a big purchase at a time of recession, “but you have to have some confidence in the future,” adding that Wadkin had a strong brand across the world.
“For me and the company it’s absolutely amazing. We never thought a door like this would open. You will now see the Wadkin name increase, not decline.”
Daltons had already owned the manufacturing and distribution rights to the Classical range of machinery, but found Wadkin Ltd difficult to deal with and it had poor machinery delivery times.
The acquisition give Daltons complete control over the manufacturing process, which Mr Dalton said could result in machine price reductions. The Classical range will continue to be built to original designs and specifications, with machines already being built and supplied.
Other machines not made by Daltons but distributed under the Wadkin brand may also be added.
The Wadkin website will shortly be reinstated and dedicated telephone lines established.
