Bristol-based specialist manufacturing and engineering business Avon Group has made its second key acquisition in six months – consolidating its position as a major player in the UK industrial component manufacturing sector.
The takeover of Scandura – the UK’s longest-established gasket manufacturer – follows that of Edgewest Plastics (UK) last October. 
The acquisitions continue the expansion of Avon Group, which has grown into one of the UK’s leading providers of automotive components and a world leader in the development and manufacture of rubber seals for aerosols.
The privately owned group, which is headquartered on South Liberty Lane, is made up of eight companies based around the UK. It also has a sales, technical and distribution base in the US.
Edgewest Plastics, based near Cheltenham, was established in the 1980s and supplies plastic-moulded components to some of the UK’s largest manufacturers of plumbing and bathroom products.
Corby, Northamptonshire-based Scandura was formerly part of the OSL Group and specialises in supplying specialist gaskets, pictured, and industrial rubber products to a wide range of industry sectors including automotive, white goods manufacturing, petrochemicals and aerospace.
Both firms’ employees will be retained, along with their equipment and premises. They will operate as autonomous parts of the Avon Group. 
Avon Group director Mark Rushin said: “After 40 years of consistent growth, Avon Group has not only exhibited tremendous resilience but we have continued to expand throughout the pandemic.
“The acquisition of both Edgewest and Scandura complement the group perfectly and both mark important steps in our ambitious plans to be the ‘supplier of choice’ for every customer in the markets in which we operate.
“Their addition to the group will make a significant contribution to our growth ambitions and also secure their futures as part of a highly successful group business.”
Avon Group was established in 1979 by Alan Rushin as Avon Gasket Manufacturing, initially making a range of gaskets, seals, joints and washers.
In 1997 it was acquired by his sons James and Mark and it has now grown into a £80m turnover business.
