Framos Fabrications
Manchester
Product
Debt
Funding use
Acquisition
Sector
Manufacturing
Amount
Six-Figures
Fund
NWBGLF
Summary
The Business
Founded in 1981, Framos Fabrications has spent more than four decades building a reputation as a trusted provider of bespoke sheet metal fabrication and powder coating services. Based in Failsworth, Greater Manchester, the business serves a loyal client base of nearly 100 companies across the North West and West Yorkshire — many of them long-standing relationships — and employs a skilled team of 15.
The opportunity
When founder Tim Wrinch decided to exit the business, it created an opportunity for a change of ownership. Incoming directors Martin Lightbowne and David Jefferies saw its potential. Experienced engineers and entrepreneurs with complementary backgrounds across manufacturing, operations, and finance, they established J&L Engineering Group Ltd as the acquiring vehicle, with a clear ambition to grow Framos into the manufacturing hub of a pan-regional engineering group.
The investment
River Capital provided a six-figure loan from the North West Business Growth Loan Fund to support a total consideration of £1.25m — enabling the acquisition to complete and securing continuity for the business, its employees, and its customers. The deal was introduced by Jerry Scriven of TC Leonherman, with financial due diligence provided by Onpoint Financial.
Plans for growth
Martin and David have set out an ambitious roadmap for Framos Fabrications. Their plans include the appointment of a Business Development Manager, expanded powder coating capabilities, ISO certification, and the introduction of night shifts to increase capacity. Synergies with David’s existing business, Anderson Hydraulics Ltd, are also expected to drive further growth.
Central to their vision is a bespoke apprenticeship programme designed to create opportunities for young people in the region, including those with additional needs such as autism and ADHD. All 15 existing roles are safeguarded, with a minimum of five new positions to be created over the loan period.
“Framos Fabrications is a genuinely impressive business — over 40 years old, debt-free, and with a loyal team and customer base that speaks volumes about how it’s been run. This acquisition puts the business in the hands of two highly experienced engineers and entrepreneurs who have a clear strategy for growth.”
Chris Carter, Investment Manager — River Capital
