Fenner buys US medical manufacturer

The group, based in Hessle near Hull, is further expanding beyond its core of conveyor belt manufacturing to bolster its position as leader in the field of reinforced polymer engineering.

Fenner said it has bought the entire share capital of MRI Medical, a privately owned corporation based in Tucson, Arizona. MRI designs, validates and makes cutting-edge, silicone-based devices for its medical devices customers.

No value was put on the deal, but MRI came with gross assets worth $2.6m.

Fenner chief executive Mark Abrahams said: "MRI Medical expands Fenner's expertise in polymer and elastomer engineering, and is a further demonstration of the Advanced Engineered Products division's focus on performance critical applications.

"MRI Medical and Secant Medical, which we acquired as part of Prodesco in 2008, are both wholly engaged in the medical industry, using business models which enable their customers to introduce less-invasive medical devices.

"The acquisition of MRI Medical is another important step towards the goal of building a significant presence for Fenner in the medical industry."