A long-established Midlands metal finishing company has been rescued from administration, safeguarding ten jobs and paving the way for a brand-new chapter.
The Staffordshire based business, Pym & Wildsmith was founded in 1979 by Stephen Pym and Tony Wildsmith, and has been acquired by Bramshall based businesses, manufacturer Lowe UK and BPS Garage.
The Bramshall company, which previously traded under 100% employee ownership after the original founders retired, went into administration in June. Now after a six-figure investment in plant refurbishment it’s open for business.
Nearby Lowe UK, owned by Janet Lowe, is a specialist manufacturer of stillages and cages, and brings extensive experience of the engineering and manufacturing sector to the latest venture. BPS Garage, owned by Dan and Dale Boot provide a wide range of garage services.
When a business with more than 45 years of history goes into administration, there is a real danger that its skills, expertise and reputation could be lost forever. We didn’t want that to happen.
Janet Lowe, Owner, TML
Now, more than four decades after it was established, under the new ownership team, the rescued business, near Uttoxeter has now been fully rebranded as TMF. It has a new website and socials as well as a renewed focus on delivering high-quality, reliable industrial finishing services with customer service at its heart.
Operating one of the largest independent industrial finishing plants in the Midlands, TMF provides specialist surface finishing solutions for manufacturers, including shot blasting, pretreatment, E-Coat/EPD, powder coating, wet painting and thermal metal spraying. The company’s new identity is built around the company’s mantra ‘The Finish Has to Perform’.
One of the new owners Janet Lowe said: “When a business with more than 45 years of history goes into administration, there is a real danger that its skills, expertise and reputation could be lost forever. We didn’t want that to happen.
“We felt very strongly that this was a business worth saving, as I could see the potential for what it could become.
“The first priority was safeguarding as many jobs as we could and giving the team some security after what has undoubtedly been a difficult and uncertain period.
She said: “Unfortunately, 40 jobs were lost at the time, but we are confident that as we grow we will be able to take back on more of those staff affected.
“But this isn’t simply about keeping the doors open. It’s about creating a completely fresh start, raising standards and building a business that manufacturers can have absolute confidence in.”
Since taking ownership, Janet has overseen a major refurbishment of the site, with investment in improving the working environment and creating the foundations for future growth.
We are starting a new chapter with a very clear vision. We want TMF to be known for its expertise, reliability, customer service and, above all, the quality of its work.
Dale Boot, Owner, TML
The business is also embarking on a programme to rebuild relationships with customers, attract new contracts and establish TMF as a trusted partner for manufacturers seeking high-quality industrial finishing.
Fellow owner Dale Boot added: “We are starting a new chapter with a very clear vision. We want TMF to be known for its expertise, reliability, customer service and, above all, the quality of its work. Industrial finishing is not simply about making something look good. It plays a vital role in protecting components, ensuring they perform as specified and extending their working life. That is why our tag-line is ‘The Finish Has to Perform’. Our customers need to know that every component we handle will meet the standards they expect.”
Although TMF and Lowe will retain their own distinct identities, Janet believes the two businesses will work seamlessly together. While Lowe specialises in protecting products and materials during handling, storage and transportation, TMF focuses on protecting manufactured components through specialist surface treatments designed for their operating environments and service life.
Janet said: “This is a brand-new start for TMF. We have invested in the site, refreshed the brand and set a new direction for the business. Now it’s about looking forward, taking on more staff, rebuilding confidence and making sure this company has a successful future for many years to come.”
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