"It was a no-brainer from our point of view," said Autobond managing director John Gilmore (pictured). "The reason for buying the company was that it had around 40 customers in the UK."

The deal, for an undisclosed sum, closed last Tuesday (17 January). It includes ownership of the name Lamtex, manufacturing kit, spares and intellectual property, such as drawings.

Following the purchase Gilmore is considering reintroducing some machines from the Lamtex range, including the Nova and Opal laminators. "Some of the smaller models might be quite good for us."

"We [also] have comprehensive manufacturing facilities at our Heanor factory. And with the drawings, we hope to be able to make all spare parts for the existing Lamtex range," explained Gilmore.

Although the deal did not include the transfer of staff, Autobond is trying to track down and recruit "one or two" of the failed company's service personnel.

Autobond has also secured tie-ups with a number of Lamtex's overseas distributors, including companies in Australia, New Zealand Singapore, and South Africa.

Joint administrators Michael White and John Russell of The P&A Partnership were appointed to Sheffield-based Lamtex on 24 November 2005.

Gilmore said Autobond is planning several undisclosed "major launches" at Ipex in April.

The firm will also use the show to highlight its Mini and Compact series of sheetfed laminators.