Billington to expand after £5m factory buyout

Billington will take over Sherling Steel UK’s 25-acre site and will also acquire the steel fabrication and lifting equipment at the works.

Barnsley-based Billington said the acquisition will significantly increase the output of its structural steelwork divisions and it is looking to recruit a skilled workforce to run the operation.

​The firm said that in the short term, the acquisition will give it access to new machinery and increased capacity.

After the deal completes, the facilities will be adapted for optimum production. Over the next three years, Billington believe the new facilities will significantly increase the output of its structural steelwork divisions.

The ​a​cquisition will be partially funded through the ​c​ompany’s own cash resources and partially from a commercial mortgage from​ its bankers, HSBC.

​​In June Billington had a cash position of £6.36m. ​

Billington has entered into a conditional agreement to acquire ​the​ 25 acre site from Sabler​ and said t​he site contains two industrial buildings with a combined useable area of 181,000 sq ft. The site is partially occupied by several long term tenants.

Billington has ​also ​entered into a conditional agreement to acquire equipment and othe​r assets. The key assets are steel processing machinery and lifting equipment​.

​The group said​ the new Shafton site will complement its structural steel divisions in Barnsley and Bristol.

It said that once the deal is completed there will be a period of transition so it can recruit a workforce with the right skills.

Billington’s chief ​e​xecutive Mark Smith said: “It is an exciting period of change for Billington and one that the directors believe will further strengthen our position through increased capabilities, capacity and product offerings”.