The west Suffolk-based MEL Group has expanded with the acquisition of aircraft ground support equipment company Oldbury Engineering.
Oldbury, which is based at Horley in Surrey, specialise in gaseous charging trolleys, portable charging kits, aircraft tow bars, wing installation equipment, aircraft jacks and fluid replenishment trolleys, for both military and civil aviation.
The equipment helps to ensure that aircraft turnaround time is kept to a minimum and that ground staff are provided with the right equipment to carry out their jobs safely and efficiently.
MEL Group, which is based at Sudbury and has aerospace, industrial and defence divisions, said the deal would bring “unique skills to assist in the expansion of the group’s capabilities and offerings in the design, manufacture and repair of aircraft ground support equipment for military and civil applications.”
Gary Harvey, managing director at MEL Aviation, said: “Ground support solutions ensure that engineers can work on the aircraft easily and within the optimum time.
“The products supplied by Oldbury Engineering ensure the ground support team have the ability to work seamlessly to fulfil critical maintenance and replenishment functions.
“The trolleys, jacks and towing equipment will enhance MEL’s already comprehensive range of quality ground support equipment and put us in a stronger position than ever when it comes to offering a one-stop supply service.”
He added: “This is another key move for MEL which sees us acquire another strong British engineering business and further supports our mission to become one of the most flexible global engineering and communication solutions providers.”
MEL Group was established in Harlow in 1968 and relocated to Sudbury in 1973.
It is based in Addison Road on the Chilton Industrial Estate and is planning to expand on to the site of the former Strikes bowling centre in Byford Road nearby which recent closed.
Oldbury is the latest in a series of acquisitions by MEL, with the group having last year added Didsbury Engineering, a manufacturer of equipment for military, civil and industrial applications, based at Wilmslow in Cheshire.
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