Acquisition Strengthens “Safe Access All Areas” Proposition

Horizontal access specialist Bilco UK has acquired the UK’s leading manufacturer of vertical access panels, riser doors and steel doors – Profab Access Ltd.  The acquisition was successfully completed on 1st August 2018.

Established in 2001 Profab employs a team of 75 and operates from a 46,000 sq. ft. manufacturing and distribution facility in Atherstone, Warwickshire. 

Bilco UK serves the commercial market with standard and bespoke roof access hatches, floor door, ladders and smoke vents. The company has been operational in the UK since 1989 and in the US since 1926.  Bilco was acquired by the Tyman Group in March 2016 and Bilco UK became part of home security specialist ERA in April 2017 following the acquisition of Howe Green Ltd. 

Howe Green is a manufacturer of fabricated floor access covers, linear drainage, tree pit covers and bespoke metalwork. The company was founded in 1983 to satisfy the demand for a safe access solution for services concealed beneath terrazzo flooring. Initially serving the supermarket sector Howe Green access covers are now specified across a diversity of industry sectors including aviation, infrastructure, education and health.

The acquisition of Profab will strengthen the Bilco UK “Safe Access All Areas” proposition. It will provide architects, specifiers and building service professionals with a one stop shop for trusted, high quality, safe access solutions for roofs, floors, walls and ceilings. 

James Fisher, Managing Director for Bilco UK and Howe Green Ltd, has been appointed as the new Managing Director of Profab Access. He will work closely with the existing team to ensure a smooth transition into the Bilco UK family.

James explains, “We are delighted that this latest acquisition will enable Bilco UK to offer our customers an unparalleled range of access solutions.  The three brands serve the same market, share common values and offer complimentary product ranges. They have all developed from family businesses.  Strong customer relationships combined with quality products and an innovative culture are the factors underlying their success.  We are very excited at the opportunities that this acquisition presents.”

The Profab Access manufacturing and sales office will continue to operate from Atherstone. The joint founder of the business, Adrian Allbrighton, will be leaving the company with immediate effect.  Technical Director, Austin Stone, will remain in his key role and will help to ensure continuity for Profab’s customers and employees.  A total of 110 people will be employed across the Bilco UK, Howe Green and Profab sites.

James comments, “Profab is the only access product manufacturer to provide third-party fire certification guarantees across its range. There is no doubt that the consideration given by architects, specifiers, contractors and building owners to fire safety has never been greater.  We are now able to satisfy that requirement with the Profab wall and ceiling panels and doors. This really does reinforce our ‘Safe Access All Areas’ offer to the construction sector.”

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