02/22/2012

(Feb. 6, 2012) - AES Engineering Ltd. is parent company to AESSEAL plc, which is strengthening its services to customers in the U.S. Now the parent group is expanding on its U.K. home front. Its AESPUMP Ltd division is a market leader in the management of pump assets for the process industries, and has now bought pump repairer and supplier Absolute Vacuum for an undisclosed sum.

The addition is seen as a natural fit with AESPUMP, operating out of Bedford, north of London. Its nationwide service centers will now include Absolute Vacuum, based near Brighton, on Britain’s south coast.

AES Engineering Ltd. is a global player with its HQ in Rotherham, South Yorkshire. Group managing director Chris Rea, OBE, said: “This will provide additional facilities and expertise to the AESPUMP network, giving our customers exceptional levels of support.”

AESPUMP was formed in 1997 and serves process industries such as petrochemicals, food and drink and pharmaceuticals. Managing director Ian Wallace said: “Absolute Vacuum has established itself as a dynamic organisation. Through our dedicated service centres we offer an unrivalled infrastructure to the UK installed pump market. Through our service technicians we support the products on the customers’ sites or, at our facilities, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, through our 24-hour emergency hotline.”

Absolute Vacuum was created in 1999 by managing director Andy Taylor, who said: “AESPUMP has a reputation for high levels of quality and support and we have developed our business through providing our customers with exceptional service.”

It is a specialist in troubleshooting and solutions for systems with technical demands. Its main expertise is in rotary vane pump repairs and all rotary high vacuum equipment. Both companies produce benefits not just to clients’ bottom lines but to the environment.

AESPUMP was advised by Kevin Cunningham, corporate partner at the Sheffield, South Yorkshire, office of U.K. national law firm Irwin Mitchell. "This is another chapter in the AES success story,” he said. “Absolute Vacuum is a complementary business for AESPUMP and the acquisition will enable it to further strengthen its position in the market and facilitate future growth."

AESSEAL plc is the world’s fourth-largest manufacturer of mechanical seals for pumps and other equipment. It has 230 locations worldwide, supplying customers in 100-plus countries.