Edwin James buys ACS to boost SI and digitalisation services
The Scottish engineering services provider Edwin James Group has bought Burton-on-Trent-based Automated Control Solutions Holdings and its subsidiaries Automated Control Solutions and ACS Electrical Engineering (together trading as ACS), for an undisclosed sum.
The deal will enhance the Glasgow-based Group's digitalisation offering, expanding its systems integration and OT automation capacity. All of ACS’ staff will be retained, including its leaders, who will work with Edwin James’ CEO Christopher Kehoe and EJ Peak Technology executive director Michael Thomas to integrate the businesses.
The acquisition strengthens Edwin James' process engineering capabilities and provides additional capacity to support customers’ sustainability, digital and energy activities. It positions the group for further growth.
ACS, established in 1998, is a control systems integration services provider with two divisions: systems integration and electrical engineering. It specialises in software and electrical-based control systems for the manufacturing sector, and works with large corporate customers in the food and beverage, brewing and liquid processing industries.
“ACS is a business we have known and admired for some time, and we believe their blend of skills, knowledge and specialist experience is a perfect complementary fit for our business,” says EJ Group CEO, Christopher Kehoe. “With shared customers and a highly skilled team, ACS will enhance our existing industrial digital skillset.
“Following our successful funding round with Aliter Capital in February last year, we have been executing our buy-and-build growth strategy. ACS is a testament to our commitment to strategic expansion.
“ACS is a well-run business and I’m looking forward to working with Paul and the team to integrate ACS into the Group.”
ACS managing director Paul, Cantrill, adds: “It’s really exciting to be joining the Edwin James Group. Our two businesses share a number of customers and the same values including a commitment to high quality service.
“Edwin James is going from strength to strength, and being part of a national organisation will provide structure and greater scope for growth for ACS and its employees.”
Edwin James Group reported a turnover of £175m for the year ending February 2023 – a 22% increase – with its order book expanding from £545m in 2022 to £800m in February 2023.
The Group operates three brands – Musk Process Services, Parker Technical Services and Peak Technology Solutions – and has offices and service centres in 16 locations across the UK. Its services include facilities maintenance and infrastructure, renewable energy, process engineering and machine maintenance services, as well as systems integration and digitalisation to support Industry 4.0.
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