The Ferndown-based company, which was established in 1984, has been sold by founders Ken Crook and Pip Arnold – to their sons.
Managing director Stuart Crook and sales director James Arnold are now at the helm of the multi-million-pound turnover company which boasts national and international customers. The company styles itself as ‘a total solution contract electronic manufacturer’ and operates from its own 12,000ft2 facility on Ferndown Industrial Estate.
“It is very much business as usual here as both James and I have been with the company for many years and know it inside out,” stated Stuart Crook. “We see this very much as a positive change, a natural progression keeping the business in the family and securing its future for years ahead. We are looking for steady growth as we expand and modernise the business moving forward, offering an even more professional approach.”
“We are very much focused on customer satisfaction,” said James Arnold. “We intend to continue to invest heavily in equipment, business tools, services and people, particularly with regard to apprenticeships. We offer a uniquely flexible approach to manufacture, based entirely on quality products and service, and we treat all customers, large or small, in exactly the same way throughout the process.”
The third member of the management team is operations director, Phil Scantlebury.
Ken Crook said: “It is great that the boys are carrying on the business because they know it so well and it keeps ETL as a family business. This progression deal secures the company’s future – it’s 36 years now so let’s hope for another 36.”
Pip Arnold added: “Technology has moved on an awful lot since Ken and I founded the business, but we keep up with it. The boys are stepping up to the plate and it is right for us to step back and for them to take over.”
South West accountancy firm PKF Francis Clark advised on the buyout with law firm Frettens, of Christchurch and Ringwood, advising on the legal aspects of the buyout.
Ken and Pip will be still involved with the business as advisors, their experience ready to be called upon when required.