The leading reusable IBC manufacturer, Francis Ward has completed
its acquisition of the All Plastic (APL) IBC from Tycon Container
Group.
The agreement was signed on the 07 April 2006 between Jonathan Wurr and Chris
Rishworth, Managing Directors of Francis Ward and Tycon Containers respectively,
and both companies feel that it is part of their future development strategies.
Wurr believes that the addition of the APL to the Francis Ward
range, fills a gap in its full range of IBC types. The acquisition
will increase sales in the UK and also gives extended opportunities
in Europe through Francis Ward’s increasing network of agents
and distributors.
Rishworth believes that the agreement allows Tycon to concentrate
on its core business of servicing and testing IBCs, as well as
representing Ucon stainless steel containers in the UK. It represents
a move away from the direct manufacturing of IBCs for the company.
New units and replacement bottles will be supplied by Francis
Ward, but both companies will be able to complete testing, servicing
and repair on IBCs in the field.
All Plastic IBCs have been more common in Europe than the UK in
recent years. Wurr believes the APL can give Francis Ward a strategic
advantage in Europe and so grow its European sales.
Francis Ward sought the acquisition of the APL because it fitted
with the company’s business model and complemented its current
product range. Francis Ward prides itself on manufacturing reusable
multi-trip IBCs only. The APL is designed to be robust and durable
over a long lifetime.
The APL was first developed as a multi-trip UN approved unit for
the chemical industry. It was designed to eliminate metal from the
construction, enabling applications where corrosive liquids are handled.
However, the APL has not remained exclusively for the chemical industry.
Other markets have seen advantages to changing to an all plastic
IBC. Again the removal of metal in its construction allows food and
pharmaceutical manufacturers to ensure integrity of product.
