The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Buyout sees jobs saved at Berner UK’s Fife unit
Managing director takes control of engineering and automotive products firm
Engineering and automotive products supplier Berner UK is in new hands after the Fife-based business was bought out by its managing director.
Chris Howe assumed full ownership of the Dunfermline-based business after agreeing a deal for an undsclosed sum with the German-headquartered Berner Group’s CEO Christian Berner.
The move means there will be significantly fewer job losses at the Fife unit than had been envisaged after the group decided in February to withdraw from the UK automotive sector.
While 16 roles are still being cut, a total of 45 jobs will be retained within the reshaped business.
“Berner UK was already in the midst of a three-year development plan, during which time we had been targeting new growth and new sales areas across the UK,” Mr Howe said.
“This was still very much ongoing, leading me to take the decision to approach Christian Berner and implement a share purchase agreement.”
“Not only are we now able to restructure the business across the board to maximum effect, but we are no longer restricted to the core markets of the rest of the pan-European group, and can approach and build awareness in completely new markets, such as manufacturing.”
The business also supplies power tools, workwear and workshop consumables. It made sales of £5.4 million last year into its primary transportation market as well as to local authorities, the agriculture and utilities sectors.
Mr Howe, 50, said he was delighted to have concluded a deal for the Pitreavie Industrial Estate-based firm and added that it is entering an exciting new era.
“This decision was taken primarily to allow Berner Group to focus and strengthen its chemical business in the UK,” Mr Howe continued.
“I also believe the automotive sector is still a very strong one for us, with as-yet untapped future growth.
“I believe that it can weather any future political and economic change.
“In the UK we are very fortunate to enjoy strong brand recognition and a high level of procurement for our own product range, particularly within this sector.”
Mr Howe said any job losses were regrettable but the business now had a stronger future and customers would still see the same level of service.
“I am proud that we have been able to minimise job losses, although any are regrettable at this time within our workforce,” he said.
“All staff affected will be given our full support, and I thank my entire team for their patience.
“We have future-proofed the business, although there is much work to be done in the coming months.
“For our customers, business very much continues as normal.”