Vivalda Group has acquired Cumbernauld-based cladding manufacturer MSP Scotland for an undisclosed sum.
Operating throughout the UK, MSP brings new products, as well as an accredited powder coating facility, to its new parent company. The firm will continue to trade under its brand name, which was established in 1966.
With an annual turnover of approximately £5 million and employing 50 people, MSP brings important manufacturing capabilities to Vivalda, which currently boasts sales of £34 million. Most notably, MSP’s Qualicoat-accredited powder coating line enables Vivalda Group to offer bespoke aluminum facades in a variety of shapes and colours, all manufactured in the UK.
Vivalda chairman Peter Johnson is delighted with the acquisition of MSP, as he said: “The MSP name is well known across the UK as a provider of both branded facia boards, as well as its bespoke coated aluminium façade solutions. I’ve been impressed with the level of skilled technicians and engineers based here at Cumbernauld – which I am sure will prove to be a great asset to the Vivalda Group.
“We intend to invest in people and technology here at MSP, to create a world-class façades manufacturing and fabrication facility. There’s a great fit between Vivalda and MSP, both strategically and culturally, and I am confident that this acquisition will bring further growth to our business.”
Peter added that the sale of MSP was a further sign of consolidation within the UK cladding market, following the Grenfell Tower disaster of 2017. He said: “While the jury is still out on the culpability of those responsible for the failings at Grenfell, the cladding sector has seen big changes in the past two years, with many low quality, smaller suppliers exiting the market. The days of supplying untested facia board for high rise buildings is thankfully a thing of the past, with the use of ACM and HPL on tall buildings now effectively outlawed. While not directly related to Grenfell, this deal shows that there is consolidation happening within our market – something I see as a positive sign in terms of safety and efficiency. This will all be good news for contractors and architects. In terms of products, we see a big future in fully fire-resistant 3mm aluminum cladding, the type of which is manufactured here at MSP.”
George Ross, the former managing director of MSP Scotland, added: “I am so pleased with the sale of the business to Vivalda, who have been professional and honorable at every stage of the negotiation. They are a forward-looking business that will invest in MSP – to not only secure the current roles here at Cumbernauld, but hopefully create many more as the business grows as part of the larger Vivalda Group.”
Ross remains within the company as a consultant.
