The Mellor Bus and Treka Bus businesses are among several to have been saved following purchase by Belgian industrial entrepreneur Guido Dumarey (pictured, below).
Mr Dumarey has also acquired the associated Coleman Milne, VCS Police, Promech, and JM Engineering undertakings. It follows the entry into administration during November of former parent WN V-Tech Holdings.
The organisations that are part of the purchase “are now seamlessly integrated into new companies consolidated under the umbrella of Woodall Nicholson,” that company says in a statement. Woodall Nicholson is a new holding business, “reflecting the rich heritage of the group as a leading specialist vehicle manufacturer in Europe.”
A spokesperson has confirmed that work at Mellor and Treka will now continue as normal. The statement adds that the acquisition “marks a transformative moment for Dumarey [Group] and Woodall Nicholson, fostering collaboration and innovation to shape the future of sustainable mobility.”
Mr Dumarey is described as a prominent player in the European automotive sector.
His portfolio includes operations in Belgium, China, France, Italy, the Netherlands, and the UK. It will employ around 3,000 people at the start of 2024.
Since 2009, Mr Dumarey has focused on the automotive industry and engaged in the development of vehicle components such as transmissions, injectors, flywheels, kinetic energy recovery systems, and e-mobility applications.
Woodall Nicholson highlights that Dumarey Group has also been “actively involved” in the development of hydrogen powertrains, including internal combustion engines, which it says aligns with the bus industry’s trajectory.
Speaking about the purchase that secures Mellor and Treka, Mr Dumarey says: “This is an exciting acquisition for us. The Woodall Nicholson businesses have a strong market position and a disruptive product portfolio, as is evident in their robust order book.
“We are eager to collaborate with their talented teams to continue delivering innovative mobility solutions. This marks a significant step towards our commitment to shaping a future where environmentally conscious transportation is accessible to all.”
Dumarey Group will now support the Woodall Nicholson management team to develop that business, enhance its operational capability, and continue product development.
