Ashton Seals Ltd Acquires Bonded Seals Ltd

The leading sealing solutions provider Ashton Seals Ltd are delighted to announce the acquisition of Bonded Seals Ltd.

Specialising in the distribution of O-Rings and other sealing products, this acquisition fits perfectly into Ashton Seals Ltd’s portfolio, as the company is already a major distributor of bonded seals.

Founded by Peter Donaway in 2007, Bonded Seals Ltd have secured a highly regarded position in the bonded seals’ market particularly for customer service, price competitiveness and technical excellence.  All of which is supported by a joint venture with Progum Elastomer Technology Co, who have their own factories in China and Taiwan. Under the guidance of Peter, Progum have invested in new machines and tooling as well as adopting new methods of working at their factory in China to ensure manufacture of the highest quality seals at the lowest possible price. 

Announcing the acquisition, Tim Wills, Chairman of Ashton Seals Ltd, said that this must be one of the most exciting opportunities in the 143 years of trading for The Ashton Group. “It will cement our position as the UK’s leading independent distributor of seals. We already trade with Progum on their other products and for us now to be selling their bonded seals worldwide with an exclusive arrangement for Europe is a fabulous opportunity.  We are now able to offer our customers a level of support unparalleled in the market and to assist this process I am delighted that Peter Donaway is remaining as a director of Bonded Seals Ltd and will become a consultant to Ashton Seals Ltd.”

Peter Donaway began his bonded seals career with Dowty, before founding Pamargan Products in Newtown in mid Wales in 1981. After 25 years as Managing Director, he looked for a fresh challenge that would enable him to supply the highest quality of bonded seals but at a lower price than had previously been possible.  This opportunity was Bonded Seals Ltd, established to sell Progum’s bonded seals throughout the world.

One of his first customers was Ashton Seals Ltd who have over 30 years experience of distributing bonded seals and other sealing solutions into the marketplace.  It is this combined experience and expertise that has paved the way for a new business venture.

As part of Ashton Seals strategic expansion plans as of 1st April 2009, Ashton Seals Ltd owns Bonded Seals Ltd. The combined operation will continue initially in the two locations of Wales and South Yorkshire to ensure the service to customers remains of the highest order. Customers will also benefit from the combined stock holding of the two companies that will enable the fastest possible speed of response.

Peter Donaway said “From my 30 years’ knowledge of the companies selling bonded seals in the UK, there could only be one company I wanted to take this project forward and that is Ashton Seals Ltd. I will not be retiring though! I intend to continue my work with both Progum and Ashtons and I am available at any time to answer technical questions from any company requiring bonded seals”

Tim Wills further commented “In 2003 we acquired the gasket manufacturer Clough (Croydon) Ltd and successfully integrated the business within a matter of weeks into our 31,000 sq ft premises, resulting in significant cost and distribution benefits for our customers.  I fully anticipate a similar result when we relocate Bonded Seals Ltd into our premises at Cortonwood near Barnsley, South Yorkshire which is just 5 minutes from junction 36 of the M1.”



From Left to right the people on the photograph are;

Gordon Cheng - Sales & Marketing Director, Progum Elastomer Technology Co
Peter Donaway - Managing Director, Bonded Seals Ltd
Zoe Wills - Commercial Director Ashton Seals
Tim Wills - Managing Director Ashton Seals
Jon Thornton - Operations Director Ashton Seals


Press release from Ashton Seals Ltd 6th May 2009
Contact John Greathead, Group Marketing Manager:
john.g@ashton-group.co.uk
01226 273705

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