Rubix UK has acquired Knowlton & Newman Ltd – a specialist provider of electro-mechanical repair services to industries across the south of England - as part of the Group’s network development strategy.
Knowlton & Newman specialises in the repair and replacement of electric motors, pumps and gearboxes all supported by a ‘round the clock’ 24/7/365 callout service to minimise downtime for customers and reduce costs.
Working out of sites in Southampton, Portsmouth and Chatham, Knowlton & Newman has been operating since 1973. It currently employs a total of 65 staff and reported sales of £8.2m in the year ended 31 March 2020.
Its key customers operate across the utilities sector but also in marine, pharmaceutical, food, aggregates and power generation, as well as the petrochemical sector.
Whilst continuing to operate independently, Knowlton & Newman will be ‘powered by Rubix’, playing a strategic role in extending the Rubix offering in electro-mechanical repairs services, a key growth area for Rubix in the UK. The acquisition will also add a southern regional hub to existing engineering service centres in the midlands, south west and north of England.
Knowlton & Newman is a family business, and the Managing Director; Mike Knowlton will now report to Nigel Banks, MD Services Division, Rubix UK. Speaking on behalf of the whole management team, Mike said “We are really looking forward to leveraging the Rubix UK network to accelerate sales, as well as capitalising on Rubix’s technical expertise in providing other key maintenance and repair solutions to expand our offer to our customers here in the south of England.”
Mark Dixon, CEO Rubix UK said: “It is an excellent fit for both parties. As Europe and the UK’s number one multi-specialist provider of industrial supplies and services, we are keen to expand our offer in electro-mechanical repair solutions. The synergies in terms of sectors, geography and overall strategy offer huge potential.”
