Investment package boost for Knight Warner

The investment, the financial details of which were not disclosed, comes from Enterprise Ventures, Turning Point angel investors and the company’s management team.

Chesterfield-based Knight Warner is a manufacturer of process automation equipment. It makes conveying, handling and robotic solutions for a wide range of sectors including food, beverage, canning, steel, power, water and pharmaceuticals.

The company has recently boosted its export business by clinching a £1.1m order from Melbourne-based Icon Equipment International to make robotic bottle handling and control equipment for two large dairies in Australia.

Kevin Parkin, the former chief executive at Davy Markham, who joined Knight Warner earlier this year as managing director, is investing in the business alongside its founding shareholders Dave Knight, the commercial director, and Colin Powell, technical director.

Mr Parkin said: “This investment will launch the company on its next stage of rapid growth and ensure that we are able to invest in resources to meet our strategic objectives. The continuous development of our skills base, together with the penetration of new international markets, are key to achieving our future objectives.”

Mr Knight added: “This new investment in the business will give it the boost that our team deserves, after driving through the recession with our technical expertise at the fore.

“We can now look at further ground-breaking developments in terms of R&D activity, which will be led by our technical director Colin Powell.”

Paul Betts, who led the investment for Enterprise Ventures, said: “Knight Warner is currently experiencing record levels of orders as a result of earlier significant investment in its patented technology and its development facility in Wyboston.

“This new funding round will allow the company to build its infrastructure, invest in new products and pursue its strategy of becoming the UK’s leading handling solution provider and a major international player.”

Sheffield-based dealmakers Castle SquareCorporate Finance and the legal team at the Sheffield office of Freeth Cartwright advised the management team on all aspects of the transaction.

Patrick Curtis, at Laytons, provided legal advice, and Ian Robinson from MaxAim carried out financial due diligence on behalf of Enterprise Ventures and Turning Point.

Knight Warner has 35 staff and an estimated turnover of £4m “which is going to jump up to £10m in the next two years”, according to Mr Parkin.