Derek Anderson

Industrial battery specialist PowerCell has bought a 50% stake in Sheffield-based Motive Power Services (MPS) as part of a UK expansion program.

The joint venture, headed by PowerCell managing director Derek Anderson and MPS director Trevor Turner, is expected to boost the company's sales and service capability in Lincolnshire, Lancashire, Yorkshire, the north east of England and Scotland.

Anderson says MPS employees have responded "very well" to the acquisition. "They are all very excited about the prospects and looking forward to progressing further with a like-minded company. We feel we're stronger together and I think this reflects back to the workforce of both companies."

PowerCell and MPS have partnered in service for about three years. The current partnership enables the companies to expand their expertise and provide full coverage in the UK.

PowerCell has also appointed two new sales professionals to cover the north west and south west of England, South Wales and the Midlands.

Neal Thorp is an experienced industrial battery specialist, while the other new recruit, Nik Bridger, has a background in forklift sales.

PowerCell claims to be one of the top three industrial battery product providers to the UK materials handling market. It has achieved average growth of 24% annually over the past five years.

Anderson says the company now wants to move into all sectors of the energy market. He aims "to build on the solid foundation we have built and continue to offer our customers truly responsive and cost-effective solutions".

The acquisition value is confidential.