KPI adds to its impressive portfolio

KP Industries have signed on the dotted line to buy FM Nicholson Materials Handling Ltd in a deal which will see the business expand its workforce at its Buckley Road Industrial Estate site.

Nicholson -established by Peter Hopwood in 1961 – is one of the top UK warehouse conversion suppliers and offer complete pallet racking systems; design and install mezzanine floors from small, single-storey units to large, complex multi-tiered installations and offer an partition service for offices of all sizes, including trade counters.

Having worked with some of the biggest brands in the UK for 35 years, their office partitioning, conveyor systems and mezzanine floors have become part of the furniture in the offices of Marks & Spencer, BNFL as well as fashion giants Charles Tyrwhitt and metal specialists Haynes International.

KP Industries managing director, Phil Cornell, said the purchase of Nicholson seems a natural fit for the Rochdale company.

“We have worked with Nicholson for a number of years and Peter was instrumental in mentoring me as I started KPI back in 2003 so when the opportunity came to purchase the firm it seemed a natural progression,” added Phil.

“Purchasing the firm will ensure an effective continuation of the business and will help KPI grow and expand its already concrete foundations and gain more high-end customers.

“I am delighted to have Peter on board in a consultative manner as our businesses are so similar in their nature and I am confident we can both grow organically and compete in an increasingly competitive marketplace.”

As part of the purchase, Nicholson was given a brand refresh and a new website which shows off the simple and sometimes complex work they undertake across the UK.