Hodge Clemco acquires Wolverhampton Abrasives

Since its formation 40 years ago, Wolverhampton Abrasives (WA) has been owned jointly by IMI and Hodge Clemco, with IMI having the majority shareholding. WA is particularly well known for its J-Blast range of expendable abrasives and also supplies a wide range of other expendable and recyclable grades. For the last 25 years the company has been based at the Hodge Clemco head office in Sheffield. Following the acquisition, the staff, IT systems and other services will be fully integrated to provide customers with a more convenient and efficient service. Existing regional depots will be retained to provide a rapid response to customers’ orders. Founded in 1959, Hodge Clemco is a leading supplier of blast cleaning equipment. A wide range of equipment is manufactured at its Sheffield factory, including portable machines, walk-in blast rooms, enclosed hand-blast cabinets and associated ancillaries. The company has been a leader in the development of abrasive recovery and dust collection systems. It also distributes leading makes of paint spray products. Following the acquisition, Paul Grattan, Hodge Clemco general manager (pictured), said: "Fully owning Wolverhampton Abrasives enables us to offer customers a comprehensive, integrated service embracing equipment sales, abrasive sales, technical support, training, servicing and administration. All WA staff are being retained, so customers will have access to the same technical support as before. "This is a logical step for both companies, as we have worked side by side in the same industries for decades. We believe it will bring positive benefits to customers, and of course it strengthens Hodge Clemco’s position in our markets’.