Some positive news on the jobs front just before Christmas as Bowater Doors has been sold to Birtley Group Ltd for an undisclosed sum. Here is the official press release:
“A new era for Bowater Doors”
The VEKA UK Group is pleased to announce that the sale of Bowater Doors to Birtley Group Ltd has now been completed. This means the market-leading range of composite doors and fire doors that Bowater is known for, will continue be available with virtually uninterrupted service.
Dave Jones The VEKA UK Group’s MD explains: “We completed our review of Bowater Doors and, as such, we are happy with the outcome. A sale has been agreed and we will be vacating the Minworth site by the end of the year.
“We’re delighted to inform customers that the Birtley Group has acquired Bowater Doors, and will begin manufacturing Bowater products in January 2016. The company expects normal lead times to resume from February. We will, of course, work closely with Birtley Group to ensure the transition is as smooth and seamless as possible for our valued customers.
“Both companies will be keeping customers up to date with all the latest developments over the coming weeks. We’re confident that, through the Birtley Group, Bowater Doors’ customers will continue to receive the high levels of service they are accustomed to with these market-leading products.”
A quick look on the Birtley Group website shows the company getting ready to launch their new acquisition under the Birtley name:
On the whole, its good news that Bowater Doors has been sold, rather than it being allowed to close. The entrance door market needs to remain a strong one, and if companies leave it, the sector weakens, and there is less choice for home owners.
The Birtley Group are based in County Durham, so there is a question as to where those jobs will go. But, in the main, this is good news for Bowater and their owners and good for the general health of the composite door market.
What happens to existing customers who have an ongoing claim
Any purchases up to Sunday 6th December 2015 contact The VEKA UK Group, email ukorders@veka.com