PP C&A eyes growth with new CEO

PP Control & Automation (PP C&A), a manufacturing outsourcing specialist based in Cheslyn Hay, in the West Midlands, has appointed Pinaki Banerjee as chief executive.

He succeeds Tony Hague, who will now take on a purely commercial and customer-focused role within the business. 

The appointment forms part of PP C&A’s long-term succession plan and comes at a pivotal stage in its growth.

Pinaki joins with a proven track record in profitability and transformation in the industrial distribution sector. 

Previous roles at Rubix, Hoffman Group and Pilkington saw him oversee five major acquisitions across more than 90 international markets.

Pinaki said: “PP Control & Automation is at an exciting stage of its development. 

“Under the excellent leadership of Tony, the firm has become a world class manufacturing specialist, working with some of the biggest global machinery builders.

“The foundations are set and our reputation in the UK and parts of North America is strong.

“Our opportunity now is to take this strategic manufacturing service offer to new markets and Central Europe is definitely the first territory in our sights.”

He added: “In order to gain market share there, you have to boost your own manufacturing footprint, and we believe the best way to do this is through acquisition. 

“If we can find the right domestic company that shares our values and brings a new engineering discipline into the mix, then that would be utopia. 

“This isn’t a pipedream; this is the target within the first twelve months.

“That’s why my skills in M&A activity and global operations – honed through many decades and across different markets – will be crucial.”

Backed by Ardenton Capital, the firm is exploring opportunities to expand its manufacturing footprint into Central Europe and North America through acquisitions. 

The strategy could see the company double revenues and surpass £70 million by 2027.

PP C&A employs over 200 people at its West Midlands facility, producing machines that range from robotic cow milkers to packaging systems, phone protection technology and components for F1 cars and airlines.

Tony added: “After 24 years at the helm it was time for a new pair of eyes to take the company to the next stage, and I’m extremely excited to see what Pinaki can bring to PP C&A. 

“In short, it’s a massive coup for us to attract someone of his international experience.

“I’m going to remain in the business, focusing on key accounts and helping to drive commercial activity. 

“My heart will always be here, so it was the sensible decision and frees me up to explore more volunteering and trustee roles, which I’m keen to do.”

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