Burnley window firm’s multi-million buy-out of rival

The purchase of Bowater Building Products means the PVC window systems manufacturer, based at Farrington Road Industrial Estate, is now at the forefront of the industry in this country in its landmark 25th year.

Birmingham firm Bowater, which has a £50m. turnover, employs 259 people. At a press conference on Tuesday, VEKA bosses said it was too early to say whether any extra jobs would be created in Burnley, but stressed it was good news for everyone.

Dave Jones, VEKA managing director, said: “Since we established our UK manufacturing facility in Burnley 25 years ago, VEKA has continued to invest in its systems, people and plant and is now in the position to demonstrate further commitment to the local and UK market with this acquisition. While this will see us emerge as one of the largest manufacturers of window systems in the whole of the UK, we remain a family-owned firm and will continue to offer our customers the level of top quality products and services they have come to expect. We believe this is fantastic news for VEKA.”

Mr Jones added: “The worldwide VEKA Group has always placed great importance on the UK plant as one of its key markets. Over the last 25 years we have developed our range of products and services from our Burnley base. Many of the industry’s key milestones have been ours. While we are immensely proud of our 25-year heritage in the UK, we will not rest on our laurels and believe that continuing to look to the future is key to our ongoing success. The acquisition of Bowater Building Products demonstrates our long-term commitment to manufacturing and continuing to invest in the UK.”

Burnley MP Gordon Birtwistle said that he was pleased with the announcement. Burnley Borough Council leader Coun. Charlie Briggs added: “This is superb news for Burnley and a real shot in the arm during difficult times. It will hopefully establish VEKA’s superiority for a further 25 years and may in the future bring new jobs to Burnley.”