Guy Newton takes the reins at Ellesco as the Simonis family hands over after 40+ years

1 min read

​After 40 plus years under the stewardship of the Simonis family, Christchurch-based metal finishing specialist Ellesco is now under new ownership, with Guy Newton returning to the business after taking a controlling interest from Vincent Simonis and his family. This new chapter in this long-established market leader will inject a combination of fresh capital and enthusiasm to the business, and comes with plans to double machine sales within 2-3 years, which Newton is confident of achieving.

This ambitious sales growth will be supported by a new approach to financing of machines and customer support. This will see greater flexibility for customers, in terms of staged payments, extended warranties and service, among many other developments, such as offering best practice pricing to facilitate the use of old machines in part exchange for new ones.

“I am grateful to have the opportunity to progress Ellesco into its next chapter after over 40 years of success under both Leonard and Vincent Simonis. Returning to a known business, one with a long history and large customer base, has been an opportunity I embrace with enthusiasm.

"Ellesco will be reinvigorated with the new investment and plans for quicker lead-times through higher stock are already in hand. Also, with over 2,000 operational machines in the UK and our own team of manufacturer trained service engineers, we are looking to enhance our service offer through more flexible packages, delivering greater value to the customers.

"In addition, service packages can be managed to provide extended warranties on new machines. I am grateful for the support of Timesavers and other long-term suppliers and look forward to our experienced team delivering improvements for the customers and, of course, seeing everyone again at MACH 2022.”

Of course, while some things change, others remain the same with the core of Ellesco’s business concentrated on the Timesavers/Grindingmasters range of deburring and surface finishing machines. Here, the number of machines in stock and available for live or virtual demonstrations will be increased. Ellesco will also be developing a range of service packages that can be tailored to suit individual customers, ranging from a general once-a-year service to multiple service visits and discount structures on consumable supplies and extended warranties.