Energy engineering solutions provider BRUSH Group has acquired European transformer windings specialist Co.Bo.T srl for an undisclosed sum.
The deal allows BRUSH to secure a vital link in its supply chain and creates extra production capacity to support the expansion of the UK electricity grid for years to come.
With increasing demand for power transformers, driven by the transition to net zero, acquiring Co.Bo.T also has the potential to optimise lead-times for BRUSH customers keen to connect to the grid.
Based near Vicenza in Northern Italy, Co.Bo.T supplies major transformer manufacturers across Western Europe – including BRUSH – and has built a strong reputation as a winding specialist in the 33kV-132kV bracket. Last year the firm invested in a major upgrade to its production line and has proven capacity to handle the entire sub-assembly manufacturing process.
And following a commitment to a multi-million-pound investment in its state-of-the-art testing facilities in Loughborough, Leicestershire, BRUSH is increasing its own in-house capabilities within final assembly and testing, ensuring its transformers continue to meet the highest standards and specifications.
Nicolas Pitrat, CEO of BRUSH Group, said: “I’m very excited to welcome Co.Bo.T to the BRUSH family. Their impressive skills and expertise will not only help boost our supply chain, but in joining the Group they will further enhance our comprehensive solutions offering, ensuring we can support our customers every step of the way.
“Our strategic partnership with Co.Bo.T, combined with the investment in our Loughborough facility, significantly increases our production capability while maintaining our renowned transformer quality.”
Davide Cornale, Managing Director of Co.Bo.T, said: “Having worked as a key supplier to BRUSH for many years, we are delighted to have the opportunity to become part of the Group.
“I am proud of what we have achieved over the past 30 years and the deal with BRUSH is a testament to the team’s expertise, the quality of our work and the high level of service we offer – that will continue in the future. The acquisition will also give us the financial backing to drive future growth and better support our customers across Europe.”
As part of BRUSH Group, Co.Bo.T will remain a standalone business, continuing to offer its winding and assembly services to the whole transformer industry. The firm employs a 40-strong team of people, all of whom will be retained. For Co.Bo.T’s existing customers, all contracts will be honoured under the new ownership, with BRUSH emphasising that it’s “business as usual.”
