Following the recent acquisition of New-Seal Gasket Ltd, The FDS Group now announces the purchase of Cheshire-based Sealex Ltd, to further strengthen its UK distributor network.

Located in Ellesmere Port, Sealex Ltd is a gasket cutter and distribution company, specialising in supplying sealing gaskets and hose products engineered and manufactured to suit customers’ bespoke needs. The company also supplies PPE equipment and work wear, andspillage absorption materials designed to help protect the environment. 

This latest acquisition will allow the FDS Group to combine and integrate its UK distribution network, with branches based in Aberdeen; Glasgow; Middlesbrough; Ipswich; Cardiff; Bolton and at Ellesmere Port. 

David Mitchell, Group Development Director at FDS said: "Although Sealex Ltd will form part of the FDS Group's UK distribution network, we fully intend to continue supporting and supplying those independent distributors and cutters, which we have traditionally dealt with."

Products offered by Sealex Ltd and which are now available through the UK distribution network include:

Sealing Products (complementing the New-Seal sealing portfolio)

• Cut Gaskets
• Metallic/Semi Metallic Gaskets
• PTFE Components
• Braided and compressed Packings and Tapes
• Rotary/Shaft Seals
• Rubber Products
• Foam Products
• Gasket Registration

Product Transfer:

• Composite Hose
• Stainless Steel Hose
• PTFE Hose
• Rubber, Hydraulic and Plastic Hose
• Textile Fabrications and Bellows
• Hose Connections/Fittings
• Hose Management and Testing

Health & Safety and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Head, Eye and Ear
• Work/Weather Wear
• High Visibility
• Gloves
• Footwear
• Corporate Work Wear

Environmental:

• Absorbents
• Spill Kits
• Cleaning Products
• Drain Protection
• SignageTraining/Site Surveys

The new reporting structure will consist of:

Phil Kelshaw, the Managing Director of Flexitallic Ltd and Novus Sealing Ltd. Phil will be responsible for all the FDS Group companies in the UK, including Sealex Ltd.

Paul Marray, incumbent Managing Director of Sealex Ltd will become Distribution Managing Director, and will report directly to Phil Kelshaw.

The UK Branch Network will consist of:

Sealex Ltd and New-Seal Gasket Ltd with Flexitallic Ltd and Novus Sealing Ltd completing the FDS Group of Companies in the UK

Paul Marray, Managing Director of Sealex Ltd, and new Distribution Managing Director for the FDS Group, said: "The acquisition of Sealex by the FDS Group is a hugely exciting step for all those associated with Sealex. We are tapping into a level of technical expertise and 'best in class' products that are second to none in the market place.

"I look forward with great optimism to releasing the potential of the New-Seal branch network, utilising the Sealex Model of customer service, combined with the expertise contained within the New-Seal and the technical experience from the FDS Group."

The acquisition of Sealex Ltd will now take the Group’s UK work force to over 250, with further job opportunities to be announced across other UK sites.