Retiring joint owners of Atwell Labellers, David and Helen Charlesworth, who had headed the business for 18 years, signed the deal with Dura-ID on 19 May.
“We are extremely pleased to be passing over the custody of the company to a family-run, investment group who we are sure will facilitate the exciting next stage of the company’s history”, said David Charlesworth.
“Following discussions with the senior management of the Goonvean Group gives us confidence that we pass Atwell Labellers over to a supportive, progressive and ambitious set of new owners who will help to maximise all that Atwell can achieve.”
The 20-staff business is an independent supplier of semi-automatic start-up systems, plus a range of fully automatic labelling machinery for wrap-around bottle labelling, tri-roller systems for applying labels in register, tapered pot labellers, front and back systems, top and bottom labellers, carton and pallet labelling systems, cross web labelling systems and a range of self-adhesive and linerless print and supply systems.
The existing management team will continue to lead Atwell and its employees, operating as a wholly owned subsidiary of Dura-ID, while Dura-ID Solutions managing director Shaun Higgins, will head both businesses.
“We are excited to have Atwell join Dura-ID, as it will bring together complementary product and technology portfolios and the market leading manufacturing capabilities of these two companies,” said Higgins.
“By joining a privately owned group of companies, Atwell will be well positioned to continue investing in new technology and bringing product ideas to life, while creating increased value for all stakeholders.”
Barnsley-headquartered label manufacturer Dura-ID, which was acquired by Goonvean Holdings in 2017, offers a range of labels and tags for products in harsh environments as well as supplying thermal transfer and full colour label printers, consumables and software.
The company now employs around 110 people across six UK sites, growing significantly since an amalgamation in February 2018 with IML Labels & Systems, Longcombe Labels and Leed Marque Concepts. Locations include Barnsley, Paignton, Newton Aycliffe, Shirebrook, St Ives (Cambridgeshire) and now Haywards Heath with the addition of Atwell.
Matthew Gazzard, Goonvean Holdings managing director, said: “Atwell’s specialised manufacturing capabilities make it a natural complement to Dura-ID solutions, and Atwell’s strong reputation for quality, service and innovation matches Dura-ID’s own dedication to high-quality design and innovation, operational excellence and speed to market.
"Supported by Goonvean Holdings, we look forward to working closely with Atwell’s team to capitalise on the significant opportunity that this represents. This acquisition further enhances the customer offerings of both Dura-ID and Atwell.”
