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Heatrod Industrial on track to acquire GrayBar Ltd

Bolton based Heatrod Industrial announces the acquisition of GrayBar Ltd, a specialist manufacturer of products for the rail industry, based in Wellingborough, Northants. This latest acquisition further consolidates Heatrod’s position in the electric heating market, the official date of the acquisition being 26th January 2021.

GrayBar Team

Heatrod is part of the Nibe Element (The world’s largest heating element manufacturer) and represents Nibe in the UK. The acquisition will become part of the Nibe Rail group working closely with the team at Denmark based San Electro heat, one of Nibe’s specialist rail divisions.

Says Simon Ellam, Managing Director of Heatrod, “At Heatrod Industrial we continue to build our portfolio of industrial heating products and services. Graybar fit our profile of engineered heating solutions and products with approvals and certifications that are well proven within the rail sector. We are looking forward to working with the wider Nibe group and our colleagues in Denmark to further develop our presence in the UK rail market.”

Graeme and Susan Ford

Since the formation of GrayBar in 1991 by Graeme Ford and his wife Susan Ford, the specialist rail company has successfully designed and manufactured many innovative products, leading the way in Points and Heating, and GRP Distribution Systems, with sales per annum of circa £1.2m and a regular operating profit of 10%.

GrayBar collaborate closely with Network Rail and leading contractors, to be the only UK supplier of Self Regulating Points Heating Systems, plus cutting edge Signalling Distribution Systems and the largest range of Rail Approved Cable Accessories in the industry for use on UK, Irish and European rail, underground and tramway infrastructure. The 15 strong team offer full in-house design, engineering and commissioning packages along with a 10 year guarantee on all their Self Regulating Heaters plus with a wide range of PADS approved products.

Says Graeme Ford, “I am delighted to see Graybar, a company I formed back in the early 1990’s, now being a valuable part of the NIBE Group. I also look forward to the future, continuing the growth of Graybar, using our strong product base in the rail industry, added together within the strength of the group to further enhance the business opportunities for us all. We have an exciting time ahead and my wife Susan and I are very much looking ahead in supporting the business activities.”

Whilst Heatrod and Graybar will work closely with the San Electro team in Denmark, operationally Graybar will form part of Heatrod Industrial. MD of SAN Electro Heat, Michael Laursen says, “Graybar have built up an impressive portfolio of rail products that are approved within the UK and wider markets. This fits very closely with San Electro’s range of point heating products and together we will have the complete track heating portfolio.”