Clingbrook acquired by Walker Rubber

Retirement has been enabled for the owners of Clingbrook following the rubber moulding manufacturing company’s sale to Walker Rubber.

Cathy and Chris Joyner have owned Clingbrook for 30 years after the Braintree-based firm was incorporated in 1979 by a previous shareholder.

Clingbrook supplies precision rubber mouldings to diverse industries, specialising in the bottling and packaging industry, distributing components to major drinks brands. Known for its fully in-house manufacturing model, the company has built a strong reputation for flexibility, technical expertise and dependable delivery.

In a deal advised by Joe Darbyshire, KBS Corporate Deal Executive, Clingbrook has been sold to Norwich-based Walker Rubber, which was founded in 1941 and has developed into one of Europe’s most trusted rubber specialists.

Clingbrook will merge under the Walker Rubber brand as the two companies’ combined manufacturing expertise of more than 125 years reinforces the east of England’s position as a hub for specialist rubber engineering, while increasing overall capacity.

“We are very proud of the business we have built over the past five decades. It was crucial to us that Clingbrook’s future was placed in safe hands,” said Cathy and Chris Joyner.

“Walker Rubber shares our values of quality, customer focus and in-house manufacturing, and we are confident the company will continue to grow and thrive and that our customers will be supported.”

The acquisition protects the jobs of Clingbrook’s current employees and ensures a prosperous future for the business.

Ivan Browne, Owner and Director of Walker Rubber, commented: “Clingbrook is a highly respected business with deep technical expertise and an unwavering commitment to quality. This acquisition is about protecting that legacy while strengthening the manufacturing capacity and capabilities of the Walker Rubber group.

“At a time when UK manufacturing begins to regain momentum, we see this as a positive step – not just for Walker Rubber, but for customers, our workforce and the local economy.

“Clingbrook customers can be reassured that it’s very much business as usual. They will continue to receive the same high standards of service and technical support, while we grow the business using the additional resources, scale and infrastructure of Walker Rubber.”

Joe Darbyshire of KBS offered special thanks to colleague Max Whitworth (Corporate Business Executive) for “professionally supporting all parties throughout the transaction”.

He added: “It was a pleasure working with both parties on this deal. Everyone involved demonstrated a strong level of commitment and appetite to complete this strategic acquisition, which I’m sure will help protect the legacy of Clingbrook and its customers moving forward.

“I wish the team at Walker Rubber every success in the future.”