Amtek Auto acquires UK-based JLF's Witham unit

Gurgaon-based, forging firm, Amtek Auto has acquired the entire assets of UK based J L French's Witham facility, which is engaged in the manufacture of high pressure die casting (HPDC) aluminium for automotive application, for an undisclosed sum.

Witham's current sales revenue are $60 million with 60% capacity utilisation. The facility has 18 HPDC lines having the capacity to generate sales of $120mn.

Amtek has been expanding its presence in the UK for the last few years. In 2005, it bought Halberg Guss (Bourne), one of the largest die-casters in the UK.

With this acquisition Amtek will now cater to clients like Land Rover, Jaguar, Trellborg, Ford and PSA (Peugeot).

The acquisition is predominantly aimed at the European automotive industry however, there are a number of alternative strategic markets, which could also be explored, the company said in a statement to the BSE.

In India, the company is the second largest forging company and also a Tier I supplier to auto majors like Maruti, Hyundai, Mahindra, Ford and Tata Motors among others.