Mellor group bought by Belgian investor

The manufacturing group which includes Mellor, the Sigma bus sales operation and Treka has been acquired by Guido Dumarey, a Belgian industrial entrepreneur.
He gets the businesses of Coleman Milne, VCS Police & Special Projects, Mellor, Treka, Promech Technologies, and JM Engineering. These businesses are consolidated under the umbrella of Woodall Nicholson.

Guido Dumarey – acquired Woodall Nicholson

The group was placed in administration just three weeks ago, but now has a lifeline for its minibus, special vehicles and powertrain businesses. Guido Dumarey, the owner of the Dumarey Group, is a prominent player in the European automotive sector, with operations and subsidiaries in Belgium, France, Italy, China, and the UK, employing around 3,000 people.

Since 2009, Guido Dumarey has focused on the automotive industry, engaging in the development and production of various automotive components such as automatic transmissions, injectors, flywheels, kinetic energy recovery systems, and e-mobility applications. Notably, Dumarey has been actively investing in hydrogen powertrain solutions, including internal combustion engines powered by hydrogen, aligning with the industry’s shift towards sustainable mobility.

Guido Dumarey said: “This is an exciting acquisition for us. The Woodall Nicholson businesses have a strong market position and a disruptive product portfolio, as is evident in their robust order book. We’re eager to collaborate with their talented teams to continue delivering innovative mobility solutions. This marks a significant step towards our commitment to shaping a future where environmentally conscious transportation is accessible to all.”

“Woodall Nicholson’s development signifies a crucial opportunity for Dumarey companies to synergize their strengths, expand market presence, and enhance overall capabilities. Dumarey will be supporting the management team to further develop the business, enhance its current operational capability, and continue to develop new and innovative products,” said the announcement.

“This strategic acquisition marks a transformative moment for Dumarey and Woodall Nicholson, fostering collaboration and innovation to shape the future of sustainable mobility.”

“I cannot thank our customers, supply partners, and staff enough for their support,” said Morgan Clissett, MD of Van and Minibus. “We have an exciting future ahead of us where we can continue to deliver the highest quality specialist passenger transport vehicles for our valued customers.”

Joint Administrator, Daniel Smith of Teneo, said: “We are delighted to have reached this agreement with Dumarey. The transaction has secured the transfer of over 450 jobs located across the North. We wish the business, its staff and its new owners every success in the future.”