Hull-based company puts Dumfries vehicle manufacturer back in business

The directors of Martin Williams (Hull) Limited, a company specialising in build, repair, maintenance, refurbishment and hire of vehicles, has acquired Penman Engineering Limited.

Penman Engineering, a Dumfries-based developer and manufacturer of specialist vehicles, entered administration on 31 August 2016.

Mark Ranson, Michael Kienlen and Daryl Warwick, all partners with Armstrong Watson’s Restructuring, Recovery & Insolvency team are the appointed administrators.

Philip Ashworth, a corporate partner in the York office of Andrew Jackson, together with colleague Grace Howell, advised Martin Williams on its acquisition of Penman.

Penman Engineering’s new managing director, Nick Williams, has pledged to employ 50 staff by Christmas and to get the workforce back up to 140 by this time next year.

Mr Williams said: “We’ve been looking for an acquisition for a while and knew of Penman’s excellent reputation.

“When we heard it had come to the market we focussed significant time and effort in ensuring we made a strong offer for the business. We were therefore delighted that our offer was accepted and the legal process has now been completed.

“As a family we have exciting plans to develop the Penman business, with a view to developing its product range and trading profile.

“The premises and engineering skills that are available in Dumfries are excellent, and we look forward to growing the business from its Heathhall base. We expect to start recruiting imminently in order that the works can fully function again.

“Our successful Hull-based business, Martin Williams (Hull) Limited, is working to full capacity at present and it will therefore be good to share workloads across our locations.”

Mark Ranson added: “We are delighted that we have been able to secure a successful sale for Penman and wish Mr Williams every success in the future.

“We must thank all of the Penman staff for their help and cooperation during the period of administration trading, which we appreciate will have been difficult for them.”

Philip Ashworth also said: “This acquisition sees the well known Hull-based business Martin Williams, save a well established and respected business from closure whilst enabling it to enter new markets that complement its existing core business.

“Andrew Jackson is delighted to have supported our client in this important deal.”.

The administrators were represented by Tim Cooper and Emma Widdowson from HBJ Gateley.