BA Components purchase BLP from Administration

Market leading furniture door and components manufacturer BA Components based in Cookstown in N.Ireland and owned by twin brothers, Brian and Kieran McCracken have today announced the successful purchase of BLP from Administration.

BA Components established in 1990 has grown steadily to become a major manufacturer in the UK and Irish furniture components industry and the acquisition of BLP is a logical step in a planned progress which has resulted in sustained growth over the last number of years.

The BLP business has over 100 year’s history and is well known and respected in the furniture industry. The subject of a Management buy out in February they had unfortunately become a victim of the current credit crisis and were placed in Administration on 7th December 2009 .

Brian McCracken, BA Component’s Managing Director said, “The purchase of this well established and respected business makes total sense in the further development of both businesses. The position of the joint operation will substantially strengthen BA’s position in the UK market, allowing us to further develop our offering to volume users, while introducing the BLP ranges to our large dealer base of small, medium and large retail outlets allowing both operations opportunities for expansion and growth”

Many of the administration functions for the combined operation will be handled from the Cookstown head office but a strong planning and production team will be maintained and further developed at the Doncaster site.

Heading up the Doncaster team will be Ian Cohen who is returning to BLP as Operations Director bringing with him a wealth of experience, ability and knowledge to an operation he led for many years prior to February’s MBO.

Looking forward to the challenge of successfully growing the business in Doncaster again Ian said, “My knowledge of the procedures and protocols developed in Doncaster over years alongside good relations with a skilled and motivated workforce and a customer base I know well, will with application and co-operation from all concerned lead to seamless continuity and development well into the future.”

Production of the full BLP portfolio of MDF wrapped decorative furniture mouldings, veneer wrapped architectural mouldings, PREDOR membrane pressed cabinet doors and drawer fronts and PRODOR profile framed 5 piece constructional doors will be maintained and developed, with continuity of supply guaranteed to current customers.

Sales & Marketing Director David Caulfield added, “This exciting development provides a great opportunity to enhance our value proposition to both BLP and BA customers and the ethos of quality and design evident throughout the operation means BLP is a strong fit with our strategy to provide more added value and meaningful opportunities for the joint customer base. With a strong sales support presence on the ground and the addition of the product mix and workforce skills in Doncaster we can all look forward to continued and growing success.”

The joint business will now trade as BA Components with the BLP name preserved but presented in BA corporate style where it will sit comfortably alongside other BA brands; Bella by BA and Zurfiz by BA.

The financial security and robust business practises of BA Components will ensure continued development and expansion of the production facility at Doncaster, secure jobs for a skilled, local workforce and ensure reliable, continuous quality and supply to current and new BLP and BA customers.

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