LA Metals to invest in laser cutting and expanded aluminium production following management buyout

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LA Metals, a UK company that supplies and fabricates aluminium extrusion products, is moving into a new growth stage after a management buyout. The deal will help fund higher production capacity, new manufacturing capabilities, and further expansion. 

The Smethwick-based company, which supplies aluminium extrusion products to customers including Next, Burger King and the UK Ministry of Defence, has been acquired by Finance Director Justin Bates and Operations Director Chris Grierson through a management buyout.

Founded in 1987, LA Metals initially operated as a business-to-business supplier of aluminium extrusion products and custom fabrication services. In 2022, the company expanded its offering by launching Aluminium Online, enabling customers to purchase standard and bespoke aluminium extrusion lengths directly through an online platform.

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The business now works from two sites in Smethwick and supplies aluminium products to many commercial and industrial customers across the UK. 

The management buyout was backed by a Growth Finance loan from Allica Bank, which also provided extra working capital for the company’s future expansion plans. Bates and Grierson bring strong industry experience to their new roles, having worked at LA Metals for 11 years and 8 years, respectively. 

Under the new ownership, the company plans to invest in additional manufacturing equipment to expand its aluminium processing capabilities. Planned investments include a laser cutting system to improve the production of bespoke aluminium components, while additional machinery is expected to increase production capacity and broaden the range of fabrication services offered.

The directors also intend to relocate the business to larger premises and increase employee numbers as part of their long-term growth strategy.

Chris Grierson said the management team had been preparing for the acquisition for some time and viewed it as an opportunity to expand the company's product and service offering.

"Justin and I are delighted to finally get started on this new chapter of growth for the business, something which has been in the pipeline for a long time, and we have bold plans to expand the business's offerings so we can essentially become a one-stop shop for our customers," he said.

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He added that the management initially believed completing the buyout would be challenging, but support from advisers and Allica Bank helped simplify the process.

Allica Bank said the acquisition would help LA Metals continue developing its aluminium fabrication operations while supporting long-term business growth.

Amy Beasley, Regional Lead for Growth Finance at Allica Bank, said the management team had a clear strategy for expanding the company under its new ownership.

"Justin and Chris have such a clear vision for where they want to take the business under their leadership, and it has been a joy to help make this acquisition a reality," she said.

She added that LA Metals had built a strong reputation as an established aluminium supplier serving a broad customer base, and the bank was pleased to support the business as it enters its next stage of development.

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The transaction was advised by Mike Yiannis of Odyssey Corporate Finance, while Legal Clarity acted for both the management team and the vendors. Sanderson Weatherall carried out asset due diligence, and Victoria Baker of Pinsent Masons advised the bank on legal matters.

The management buyout is expected to provide LA Metals with additional financial flexibility to invest in new aluminium processing equipment, expand production capacity and strengthen its position in the UK aluminium extrusion and fabrication market.