Denholm Industrial Services acquires share of coatings firm

Denholm Industrial Services has snapped up a significant share of Universal Coatings, a company which operates one of the largest coating facilities in the UK.

The Yeovil-headquartered business has acquired 60% of Universal Coatings, which is part of the Wilton Universal Group.

The co-ownership formalises an ongoing two-year supply chain relationship between the two organisations and will enable customers to benefit from the enhanced size and scale of the combined operations.

Operating out of Wilton Universal Group’s 112-acre base on the banks of the River Tees, Universal Coatings serves a range of industries such as engineering, petrochemical, subsea, offshore renewables and nuclear power generation.

The 61-strong company has a 11,500sq metre blast and coating facility, as well as providing on-site surface and coatings services.

Denholm Industrial Services, meanwhile, provides critical engineering support and enables the build and maintenance of power, infrastructure and naval and commercial marine assets.

The business employs more than 600 people at regional branches and project sites across the UK.

Bill Scott, Chief Executive of Wilton Universal Group, said: “This is a landmark development of Tees Valley’s industrial supply chain capabilities and will bring new work and opportunities to the area.

“There are strong synergies between Universal and Denholm Industrial Services, both in terms of company ethos and capabilities. Integrating the companies’ services along with Universal’s facilities, services and highly experienced local workforce, is a unique and powerful combination that will benefit customers of both businesses.

“As co-owners with Denholm Industrial Services, we will accelerate growth at Universal, which will enable us to invest in further training and career prospects for our loyal and highly talented team, who always maintains exceptional standards of workmanship on the prestigious projects we deliver.”

Steve Hill, Managing Director of Denholm Industrial Services, added: “Following two years as supply chain partners, it is the natural next step for Denholm Industrial Services to become a co-owner of Universal Coatings. Formalising our relationship will enable stakeholders of both businesses to benefit from our enhanced size and scale, as well as our shared ethos in service excellence, delivered through world-class skills and experience.

“Tees Valley has an exceptional reputation for its industrial capabilities, with forward-thinking companies, like Universal Coatings, building on the area’s heritage, which has evolved to support cutting edge sectors including marine defence, energy and industrial assets. We are very proud that through this collaborative partnership, Denholm Industrial Services will be able to play an active part in the future success of Tees Valley.”

Image caption: Left-right, Steve Hill and Bill Scott. (Photo credit: Universal Coatings)