Quarry firm Tillicoultry Quarries has bought fellow Scottish company Hugh King & Co, an independent producer of dried mortar and render products and a leading UK supplier of sports sand.
Hugh King & Co operates one silica sand quarry and two brown sand quarries around Ayrshire, with reserves totalling 5 million tonnes. The company claims to have the largest sand drying plant in Scotland, a specialised high capacity dried mortar and render plant and automated mortar, render, sand and aggregate bagging operations. The sites have the capacity to increase output significantly to meet demand.
Tillicoultry Quarries says the acquisition represents an important strategic move as it continues to build on and invest in its existing capabilities and core product range, and to expand into the mortar and render markets.
Tillicoultry Quarries and Hugh King & Co, founded in 1931 and 1853 respectively, have a history of family ownership. The two businesses say they share the same values and a commitment to excellent customer service, employee investment and a dedication to product quality.
The deal will see Tillicoultry Quarries purchase 100% of the share capital of Hugh King & Co Holdings Ltd, acquiring the three sand quarries in Ayrshire, all existing plant and machinery, the company vehicle fleet and retaining all 40 employees.
Wallace Menzies, director of Tillicoultry Quarries, commented: “Tillicoultry Quarries is an ambitious Scottish business that has always been committed to delivering for our customers. We are always looking for ways in which we can expand and improve on our offering and this acquisition presents an excellent opportunity to further enhance our product range supported by our long established reputation for excellence”
Graeme King, director of Hugh King & Co Holdings, added: “I am delighted to have found a safe home for the business with Wallace and the team at Tillicoultry Quarries. The shared family values will help drive continued growth and it will be very much business as usual for the loyal and hardworking staff, customers and suppliers.”
