Numberplate maker’s £10m growth boost

A BIRMINGHAM-based manufacturer of vehicle numberplates has secured almost £10 million of new investment.

Hills Numberplates will use the funding to support its continued growth following its recent acquisition of Faab Fabricauto, one of France’s leading number plate manufacturers.

The acquisition will enable the Aston-based company to develop further geographical markets and maximise production efficiency.

Hills is one of the world’s largest number plate manufacturers and has more than 80 years’ experience providing products to clients including Honda, Fiat, Ford and Toyota.

The group currently employs more than 200 staff and produces more than 19 million plates each year.

Managing director Richard Taffinder said: “We are a business built on excellent customer service and a strong vision and this funding will help us to accelerate our growth.

“By completing our acquisition of Faab Fabricauto and having the funds to invest in our products, we can now expand our offering for our customers and create a greater international footprint.”

The £10 million funding package was provided by Finance Birmingham, Birmingham City Council, NatWest Corporate and Commercial Finance and RBS Invoice Finance.

Stephen Murray, investment director at Finance Birmingham, said: “Hills Numberplates is firmly positioned as a major world number plate manufacturer.

“We have been impressed with the management team and their growth strategy and the acquisition, alongside investment, in its staff base forms an integral part of that future.

“We are proud to be working in partnership with such a prestigious manufacturer and look forward to seeing it realise its future potential.”