Acquisition increases UK market presence

As part of its strategic expansion, Chesterfield-based weighing specialist Weightron Bilanciai has acquired Westco (Western Counties Scale Co).

As part of its strategic expansion, Chesterfield-based weighing specialist Weightron Bilanciai has acquired Westco (Western Counties Scale Co).

Weightron is part of the international Bilanciai Group, based in Modena, Italy.

Bilanciai is recognised as Europe's leading designer and supplier of weighbridges and high quality weighing scales.

The combined strengths of Weightron and Westco are now believed to establish them as the leading UK supplier of high quality weighbridges, and work is already underway to double the size of the Chesterfield manufacturing site to meet increased demand.

Weightron director and founder Ray Catt is very upbeat about the acquisition: "Mergers and acquisitions are often done solely for apparent commercial reasons, with scant regard for customers and employees.

This is certainly not the case with the acquisition of Westco, which is part of a clear strategic focus.

It not only strengthens our position geographically in the UK market but also brings together a strong blend of skills, expertise and product innovation.

It is fully in line with an ongoing program of growth for the Bilanciai Group throughout Europe, USA and the Middle East.

We are confident that the bringing together of two leading weighing companies, each with its own special expertise and market knowledge, has significant benefits for customers in terms of service and support.

Westco has a well established service base and this consolidates our service capabilities throughout the UK, allowing us to expand our share of the important national service contracts business.

It also gives us the critical mass to expand our activities across a growing number of industries.

Although weighbridges are at the core of our business, we are looking to focus on new market areas including food and beverage, chemicals pharmaceuticals and agriculture".

Over the past 40 years, Taunton-based Westco has built a strong reputation as a weighing solutions provider.

In addition to supplying standard equipment and systems, they also have the expertise to solve "out-of-the ordinary" weighing problems, undertaking projects as diverse as the bulk dispensing of ice controlled by smart cards to weighing 400t luxury yachts.

Westco's Managing Director, Colin Hayman, sees clear benefits for both his company and Weightron.

"The strength of the Bilanciai Group brings increased credibility to Westco and this will allow us to expand our business in key market areas.

I am in no doubt that customers will benefit from the pooling of knowledge and increased support.

Our diversification and flexibility complement Weightron's growing reputation in the UK market".

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