Vee Bee in Stourbridge bought by Signum group

Founded and run by the Bradley family, Vee Bee Filtration has been making specialised filtration equipment for industrial and commercial customers since it was originally founded 60 years ago.

Based on Old Wharf Road in Stourbridge it has grown to employ 60 people and in the year to the end of September 2016 its pre-tax profit of £1.9m was more than double that of the previous year.

In its accounts Vee Bee, which increased turnover to £9.7m, said it had been a 'strong year' and said it had a 'very healthy' order book for 2017. It makes strainers, filters and pressure vessels for customers around the world.

It has now been acquired by the Signum Technology group, which is backed by Phoenix Equity Partners and based in Westbury in Wiltshire. David Hill, Signum's CEO, said: "Vee Bee is a respected brand with over 45 years of experience in its sector. Vee Bee possesses tremendous potential and is a welcome addition to the Signum Technology Group".

Signum Technology is continuing with its 'build and buy' plan to develop a group of world-leading engineering and technology companies. It already owns Gall Thomson and KLAW LNG.

KPMG acted as adviser to Vee Bee on the sale. Its team was led by Surinderpal Matharu and Adam Rathbone. Mr Matharu said: "We are delighted to have advised the shareholders of Vee Bee on the sale to Signum Technology. This deal recognises the reputation that Vee Bee holds in the marketplace and secures the ongoing legacy of the business inside a larger, strategically complementary group, who will help to support its future growth plans."

Vee Bee was originally founded in 1957 by William V Bradley as Filtration & Valves. His son Michael took over in 1975 and changed the company's name to Vee Bee five years later. The company moved to Stourbridge in 1982 to expand into a 190,000 sq ft site. Michael Bradley's son Robert has headed the business since 1998.