Aerovac Systems, a leading European supplier of vacuum bagging materials, and Richmond Aircraft Products, Aerovac's US counterpart, are to come together under joint ownership. This follows the announcement by UMECO, Aerovac's parent company, that it plans to acquire Richmond for a consideration of US$37.5m (£23.5m), subject to obtaining the approval of UMECO's shareholders and clearance from the US competition authorities. Aerovac and Richmond will continue to trade under their individual brand names
Based in California, Richmond is a leading distributor of vacuum bagging and structural foam products to the aerospace and defence industries and many of its operations complement those of Aerovac. Following the acquisition, both Aerovac and Richmond will be able to offer a broader product range sourced from cost-effective suppliers. The acquisition will also give UMECO a significant presence in the United States - the world's principal aerospace and defence market - and provide the enlarged Group with a number of OEM customers and Tier One suppliers.
Richmond's products are used by both OEMs and Tier One suppliers in the manufacture of various structural and fabricated components. Key product types supplied by Richmond include bagging films under the VAC-PAK trademark, pressure-sensitive tapes, sealant tapes and Rohacell structural foam. VAC-PAK is an internationally specified material to a number of the world's leading airframe manufacturers. Richmond sells materials through a combination of distributors, independent sales agents, and internal customer service representatives. The business is located in a leased facility in Norwalk, California and has arrangements with distributors providing Richmond with a presence throughout North America, South America, Europe and Asia.
