Arbuthnot Commercial ABL supports precision moulding group’s strategic acquisition

The transaction marks a significant step in the group’s buy-and-build acquisition strategy. 

The comprehensive funding solution consists of a confidential invoice discounting line and Growth Guarantee Scheme (GGS) loan facility for Webb Injection Moulders Limited, alongside a Confidential Invoice Discounting facility for Cranfield Solutions Limited, which was already owned by the group. This structured approach not only facilitated the current acquisition but also provides a foundation for future growth opportunities.

Webb Injection Moulders, based in Biggleswade, is an established plastic and rubber injection moulding business specialising in supplying high quality injection moulded components, sub-assemblies and finished products to various markets including the automotive sector. The business provides a full turnkey manufacturing service from design consultation through to warehousing and just-in-time delivery using its vehicle fleet.

Cranfield Solutions, established in 2003 and operating from Milton Keynes, offers highly specialised injection moulding capabilities. The business has extensive experience with difficult-to-process high-performance technical materials and provides comprehensive services including mould proving, process optimisation, and toolmaking. The group is focused on maintaining a family business ethos where employees feel valued and can make a difference.. 

Leon Edwards, Executive Chairman of Ashbrook Holdings Limited, said:  

“We’re looking to create a group of similar businesses that are geographically spread, operating in different sectors with skills that we can share across the group. We will solidify the injection moulding business first, then look at adjacencies like joinery or metal fabrication. The beautiful thing about Arbuthnot Commercial ABL is they think about the deal – and genuinely want to get it done. You can have an honest conversation, tell them the facts, and get open communication in return. Our position is not to go around the market, we want to build with Arbuthnot. In fact, I spoke to them about the next opportunity only this morning”

Richard Kindell, Managing Director of Ashbrook Holdings Limited, commented:  

“The link between us and Arbuthnot is seamless, with decisions made very swiftly. They refer cases to credit committee within just 48 hours, providing an indicative yes or no, which gives us the comfort to press ahead. Having a dedicated point of contact means you’re dealing with a person rather than a centralised system. Even when we encountered technical challenges towards the end of the transaction, we dealt with them in an expedient way together.”

Andrew Rutherford, Commercial Director at Arbuthnot Commercial Asset Based Lending Limited, said: 

“We were delighted to support Leon and Richard with this strategic acquisition. This transaction brings together two highly complementary businesses in the precision moulding sector, creating significant opportunities and strong operational synergies. Completing this transaction on Christmas Eve demonstrates our team’s commitment to getting deals delivered with speed and certainty, particularly given the very tight timeframes involved. We look forward to partnering with Ashbrook Group on future acquisitions as they continue to drive scale.”

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Registered in England and Wales no. 10915339. Arbuthnot Commercial Asset Based Lending Limited’s registered office is Arbuthnot House, 20 Finsbury Circus, London EC2M 7EA. Arbuthnot Commercial Asset Based Lending is not authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

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