Sudbury-based MEL Group has expanded with acquisition of Didsbury Engineering, based at Wilmslow in Cheshire.

MEL says the deal will broaden its capabilities as an engineering solutions provider to the aerospace, defence and industrial sectors.

Didsbury Engineering, which will continue to operate under its current name, specialise in precision machining, fabrications, lifting, confined space operations and general ground support equipment for military, civil and industrial applications.

The acquisition brings the total number of employees across the MEL Group to 265.

Gary Harvey, managing director of the MEL Group, said: “This diversity and expansion is what keeps the MEL Group at the top of its game. The key to succeeding is to keep moving forwards and that’s exactly what we are doing.

“The new and exciting acquisition of Didsbury Engineering ensures MEL will continue to be one of the most flexible global engineering and communications solution providers.”

He added: “The acquisition comes at a time of major change in the UK and is a sign of The MEL Group’s continuing optimism and confidence in the country and its trading potential.

“We would like to thank the dedicated Didsbury Engineering team including Mike Bailey, John Canning, Christopher Gustar and other investors for entrusting the MEL Group with its future.”