SDI Group acquires CMECS for faster fashion

SDI Group has acquired Kettering-based, powered roller conveyor systems manufacturer CMECS. The new joint partnership will provide SDI with an in-house manufacturer to supply its European network, allowing it to react even more quickly to fashion business customer demands and also to produce bespoke designs that are aligned to the industry's requirements. CMECS gains increased flexibility to serve its customers, including SDI.

Gordon Smith, CEO of SDI Group said: "We purchase approximately £10 million of conveyor a year. We can now source up to 50 per cent of that from CMECS, particularly for projects requiring short lead times and high quality systems."

CMECS was formed in 2003 when three operational managers left Interroll when it shut down its UK operation. The company has worked on projects for companies such as DHL, Fedex and has just finished a £600,000 project with SDI for leading fashion brand Abercrombie and Fitch, which was completed on time and to budget.

Mick Waring, Managing Director and founder of CMECS said: "We are thrilled at the exciting opportunities for the company. We want to expand and become a challenger within the conveyor unit field, particularly when there is a gap in the UK market for a flexible, UK-based supplier."

He added: "CMECS will give SDI Group a greater capacity to meet individual customer demand and tailor product more specifically – offering greater flexibility to produce all the way through the year, making it easier for clients to plan projects by avoiding the August shut down that occurs with mainland European manufacturers."

CMECS recently moved into larger facilities and SDI will be investing half a million pounds into automating the conveyor manufacturing process, as well as recruiting ten new staff, over the next six months.

CMECS' range includes carton and tote conveyors, belt conveyors and all associated transfer devices and high-speed mergers. Gordon Smith said: "Their innovative design along with CMECS ability to produce aluminium side frames and 24 Volt systems both quickly and cost efficiently was a principal driver behind the acquisition. We can now provide plug and play systems, with more off-site prefabrication and preassembly of modules to significantly reduce onsite installation times."

He concluded: "This investment in British manufacturing and jobs is a real opportunity to make the UK a force for materials handling and logistics worldwide."