Bolton-HQ’d specialist electric specialist vehicle manufacturer WN Vtech Group has been rescued from administration by Belgium’s Dumarey Group, which operates automotive businesses including Punch Flybrid in Silverstone and operations in Belgium, France, Italy and China
In May, WN VTech, formerly known as Woodall Nicholson, announced what it said was Europe’s largest dedicated manufacturing facility for electric emergency service vehicles in Bradford, while in March it announced plans to manufacture the UK’s first electric hearse.
The company and its subsidiaries went into administration last month after suffering “supply chain issues” and continued to trade as usual while it sought a buyer.
The majority of the group’s businesses have now been sold to companies owned by Belgian industrialist Guido Dumarey, with more than 450 workers transferring across.
The companies saved include Rochdale manufacturer Mellor Bus, Brighouse-based bus builder Treka, Scarborough-based suppliers JM Engineering and Promech Solutions, and two specialist Westhoughton businesses – police vehicle maker VCS Police and funeral vehicle builder Coleman Milne.
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.”
