Historic Ripon paint specialist joins forces with Midlands firm in new merger

A North Yorkshire paint and powder coating specialist has joined forces with a Midlands firm in a new merger.

Ripon-based T&R Williamson and Birmingham firm Thomas Howse Ltd will pool 364 years of industry expertise after forging a formal partnership.

Founded in 1775, T&R Williamson specialises in products for the railway, construction and transport sectors, exporting to international clients in Peru, Kenya, India and China.

The new combined entity is part of UK Coatings Group, which is operated by the family-run Sheibani Group of companies. It employs more than 2,000 people globally among its portfolio of 20 businesses in the UK and overseas.

“For our growing customer and supplier base, this represents a classic example of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts,” said Chairman Mr Abubaker Sheibani.

“Uniting the businesses creates a strong platform for us to grow, innovate and drive forward our environmental ambitions.

“It is a natural progression to build on the existing synergies of both companies and blend together the market-leading position, reputation, skill base and aspiration that they both share.”