A Bristol-based manufacturer and supplier of safety lifting equipment has been acquired by a specialist US group as part of its continued international expansion.
Tacklestore, which was launched 20 years ago and has its head office in Avonmouth, is now part of Vertical Supply Group (VSG), a leading supplier and manufacturer of life safety equipment following the takeover.
As well as manufacturing lifting equipment under 13 house brand names, including G-Force, Liftingear and LoadSurfer, Tacklestore also operates websites such as safetyliftingear.com, lifegear.com, and safety-lifting.com.
Founded by Mike Huges, it has seven depots across the UK stretching from Plymouth to Glasgow selling products ranging from lifting gear, height safety and load restraint to workwear and personal protection equipment (PPE).
North Carolina-headquartered VSG was established in 1960, initially serving arborists and tree care professionals.
Over time, it expanded its portfolio to include multiple brands and products for those who work at height, becoming a leader in vertical access, life safety, and climbing equipment.
It already operates two Honey Brothers depots in the UK – in Guildford, surrey, and Wimborne, Dorset – selling a range of climbing, rigging and safety equipment.
VSG CEO Jeff Morris said: “We are very excited to add Tacklestore to our portfolio of brands and build on the amazing base Mike created.
“By adding these new brands to our current assortment offered at our Honey Brothers locations, we can offer the safest and best-in-class products to the market either online or in-store.”
Tacklestore founder and managing director Mike Hughes added: “We had been looking for the right partner to carry on the Tacklestore legacy.
“We feel that our brands and people are in great hands with VSG and will open many opportunities for us to reach a global audience.”
The Tacklestore acquisitions is VSG’s sixth over the past two years as it looks to reinforce its commitment to delivering best-in-class safety equipment and services to professionals who work at height.
