Family ties forge future for Wakefield firm

A West Yorkshire manufacturing business is set for growth after a family-led management buyout backed by a regional finance provider.

Wakefield-based Thornes Fabrication has been bought by Ben Crossland, the nephew of founding director Dean Crossland, in a £250,000 deal funded by Finance For Enterprise (FFE). 

Ben has worked at the business for more than ten years and now takes the reins with ambitions to grow the customer base and expand the workforce.

The buyout also means five existing employees will retain their employment contracts.

Ben said: “I’m planning a very smooth transition to allow existing customers to get to know me better and ensure we maintain our ability to meet project briefs and respond quickly. 

“We will then step up our marketing in order to secure new contracts from previously untapped sources and gradually build the team to meet the increased demand.”

Jeremy Meadowcroft, FFE business lending manager, added: “The business has an established reputation, with some high-profile repeat clients. 

“I am delighted FFE has been able to provide the funds to allow a successful manufacturing business to transition into ownership by the second generation of the family.”

Founded in 1989, Thornes Fabrication, which is based at a 7000sq ft site on Thornes Lane, designs and makes metal fabrications for the textile, construction and industrial sectors. 

The company will continue trading under its existing name, with retiring directors Dean Crossland, Andrew Stubbs and Jayne Crossland staying on temporarily as consultants to support the handover.

Dean added: “Andrew, Jayne and I wanted to retire, and we’re delighted Ben showed interest in buying the company. 

“He started as an apprentice 14 years ago, so he knows the business inside out, and has lots of energy and ideas; I know its future is in safe hands.”

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