For the first time since the Bunting Group acquired Pilamec, Bob Bunting, the group’s President and CEO, travelled across from the USA to visit and meet staff and plant operators.
Since 2017, the Bunting Group’s European operation has expanded considerably with investment and expansion in manufacturing facilities as well as several company acquisitions. Bob Bunting’s UK trip gave him the opportunity to visit the newly acquired operations and meet employees.
Bob Bunting, Simon Ayling and Mike Wilks tour the newly acquired Pilamec
Investment in Manufacturing
Bob Bunting’s February and March 2022 UK tour included visits to all three European manufacturing sites. At Berkhamsted in Hertfordshire, the very first Bunting operation in Europe, the focus is on the supply and design of magnets, magnet assemblies, and magnetising equipment. After visiting Berkhamsted, Bob Bunting had his first opportunity to see the recently expanded manufacturing operation in Redditch, just outside Birmingham. The Redditch plant has increased both manufacturing and office space by 50%. The investment has enabled Bunting-Redditch to meet the growing demand for magnetic separation equipment including Eddy Current Separators and Overband Magnets, for which orders grew substantially in 2021.
Recent Company Acquisitions
The Bunting Group’s most recent acquisitions are of of MagDev and Pilamec. The addition of MagDev extends Bunting’s magnet portfolio to include specialist custom and industrial magnets, as well as soft magnetic solutions in various shapes, sizes, and grades. Under the Bunting-Berkhamsted umbrella, the group provides an extensive and unrivalled range of magnets and magnetic materials.
Rob Absalom explains the milling process to Bob Bunting, Simon Ayling and Mike Wilks
The acquisition of Pilamec adds new manufacturing capabilities to the Bunting Group and Rob Absalom, Pilamec’s Operations Manager, gave Bob Bunting a tour around the Lydney facility. Pilamec specialize in providing batch dry milling, screening, air classification, and blending of organic and inorganic minerals for companies in industries including mining, refractories, recycling, and ceramics. A diverse range of materials are handled, from metal powder to non-toxic chemical milling. Originally acquired by MagDev as a key raw material supplier for soft magnetics, Pilamec provides the group with an opportunity to diversify into new areas of manufacturing.
Success Fuels Success
Continued improvement, the development of new products, and manufacturing investment continue to fuel the Bunting Group’s growth in Europe.
“This is an exciting time for the Bunting Group,” explained Bob Bunting. “Our strategic acquisitions strengthen our position as a global leader in the supply of magnetic products and equipment.”
For further information please contact us on:
Phone: 01594 843660
Email: info@pilamec.co.uk
