DEALERSHIP PURCHASED OUT OF ADMINISTRATION

PICTURED ABOVE: Mike Singer of Balgownie with Douglas Fraser, finance director of MacGregor Industrial Supplies

Following entering administration in March, it has been announced that MacGregor Industrial Supplies (MIS) has successfully acquired the business and assets of Aberdeen-based Balgownie Ltd from administration.

In a statement MIS said, "The acquisition marks a strategic move for MacGregor Industrial Supplies; further enhancing our position in the Aberdeenshire market, introducing our offerings to Balgownie’s valued customers, and expanding Balgownie’s expertise and product offerings across the MIS network."

The statement also confirmed that the deal had secured the continued employment of 15 employees from Balgownie Ltd " . . ensuring continuity and support for customers during this transition." The BBC reported when Balgownie initially entered administration that 24 employees had immediately lost their jobs.

MIS confirmed their intention is to reopen both Inverurie and Turriff branches on Monday 29th April, trading from these premises as MacGregor Industrial Supplies Limited incorporating Balgownie. Their statement said the business would remain closed until then to allow for staff training and MIS systems to be implemented. Sales staff will be available by phone during this time, they said, and equipment requiring emergency repairs will be attended to where possible. "We will endeavour to service and meet any customers needs through our Elgin and Aberdeen branches who will maintain their daily delivery services throughout the Aberdeenshire area," MIS explained.

They also confirmed they would be maintaining the legacy of brands Balgownie had been associated with whilst also incorporating the brands supplied by MIS. "Due to our partnerships in the Highlands with Brian James, Bateson and Debon trailers, Balgownie will now include these brands in their offering," MIS said. "Nevertheless, we are dedicated to maintaining and servicing all trailer brands and look forward to introducing a new collection of trailer products to the Aberdeenshire area."

MacGregor Industrial Supplies, managing director, John MacGregor, said, “This acquisition is in line with our mission to grow MacGregor Industrial Supplies Limited. Balgownie Ltd, is a good fit for MIS as it shares the same values and core purpose. We believe the company and its customers will benefit from this acquisition as we continue to strengthen our product and service capability throughout Aberdeenshire and the MIS branch network. It is our goal to continue providing the highest level of customer service during this time and in the future”.

Mike Singer of Balgownie, added, “We are delighted to be joining forces with MacGregor Industrial Supplies, and to be able to continue serving our loyal Balgownie customer base. This exciting new chapter sees us teaming up with a leader in the industrial supplies sector in the North of Scotland and opens up a large array of brands and products to further serve our customers”.