James Briggs and Unipart Group announce partnership

Manchester Evening News Article

The collaboration brings James Briggs together with one of the largest private companies in the automotive sector, employing over 10,000 people globally, with an annual turnover nearing £1bn.

Oldham-based manufacturer James Briggs has entered into a major collaborative partnership with Unipart Group.

Combining the heritage of both companies, the partnership will see James Briggs deliver chemical content and packaging for products across Unipart’s offering into the automotive, rail and industrial sectors.

The collaboration brings James Briggs together with one of the largest private companies in the automotive sector, employing over 10,000 people globally, with an annual turnover nearing £1bn. Unipart will benefit from James Briggs’ state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities as well as its near 200-year history of producing chemical products.

Max Bass, commercial director of James Briggs, said: "The agreement behind this collaboration is a major strategic advancement for James Briggs and will provide a platform for growth for both companies.

"From the outset, it has been clear that both James Briggs and Unipart are strategically aligned and that a continuing partnership will be of great benefit to both parties."

Gerry O'Hara, managing director of Unipart Autopart’s car proposition, added: "Following a review of our supply base and in line with our policy of supplying premium quality products to our customer base, we are pleased to be working in partnership with James Briggs to develop and introduce market-leading chemicals and product solutions to the sector."

The announcement follows the agreement of a £9m working capacity facility from RBS Invoice Finance for James Briggs, which will support its international growth activity and expansion in new and existing sectors.

Mr Bass continued: "Thanks to Endless LLP’s acquisition of James Briggs in 2013, the company is involved in a period of extensive growth.

"Aspirational partnerships like the one we have forged with Unipart are essential to continuing that growth trajectory and we fully expect to see similar relationships built upon in other sectors.”