Watts Tyres sold to Premia Group

News Story
- 19 Nov 2009 ( #437 ) - Lydney, United Kingdom
1 min read
Watts of Lydney Group has sold Watts Tyres to focus on strengthening its truck and van sales, services and parts business, and its UK manufacturing companies.

The sale of Watts Tyres to Premia Group Ltd allows Watts Group to develop its truck and van operations without exposure to the "risks inherent in the complex international tyre business", the group says in a statement.

John Thurston, group chairman, says the sale of Watts Tyres marks a new chapter in the history of the Watts Group.

"We have been providing services to the transport industry for over 100 years and my grandfather was developing diesel engines in the 1920s ... With GBP50 million (USD82.9 million) in sales and 300 committed employees, we have a firm foundation on which to build our market-leading businesses in the UK," Thurston says.

Watts Truck & Van offers sales, service and parts through its DAF, Fiat and other franchises in seven locations in the UK. The group will also concentrate on its two specialist manufacturing companies, Watts Urethane and Plysolene. Watts Urethane is currently supplying polyurethane wheels for mine clearance equipment used in Afghanistan while Plysolene Ltd based in West Sussex has weathered the global economic downturn well and is about to commission a new polystyrene sheet extrusion line.

The acquisition price for Watts Tyres is not disclosed.

Premia Group Ltd is a company controlled by former senior management of Watts Tyres. Watts Tyres will continue to have its headquarters in Lydney under the new ownership and no job losses are expected.
Briefs
Briefs 10 Jul 2025 - 1 min read
Best Line and Burwell expand in US
Best Line and Burwell expand in US 10 Jul 2025 - United States - 1 min read
Briefs
Briefs 26 Jun 2025 - 1 min read
Do you have materials handling news? Submit your news here

PREMIUM business

ROYPOW
Manufacturer of lithium forklift battery solutions, the global leader in the market of lithium batteries replacing lead acid batteries.

“Over the years, your platform has played a key role in expanding our global presence — connecting us with industry professionals and promoting our advanced products, including our 50T electric forklift...Forkliftaction has helped us stay informed and competitive in a rapidly evolving market…”  - Bill Cai, Director, Overseas Division, Fujian Southchina Heavy Machinery Manufacture Co., Ltd

Thanks for your support! Read the full testimonial & more industry messages ♥ here.

Words of support …

Thanks to advertising with Forkliftaction, GemOne has experienced a significant enhancement in our online presence. Working with Forkliftaction has enabled us to boost engagement with our targeted audience, resulting in an increase in information requests and downloads of valuable materials from our website. Forkliftaction has consistently delivered outstanding results, helping us to effectively connect with the right audience.

Justine Lootens, CEO

Are you recruiting? Find your ideal candidate among a diverse range of materials handling professionals:

Forkliftaction's JOB MARKET

“Over the years, your platform has played a key role in expanding our global presence — connecting us with industry professionals and promoting our advanced products, including our 50T electric forklift...Forkliftaction has helped us stay informed and competitive in a rapidly evolving market…”  - Bill Cai, Director, Overseas Division, Fujian Southchina Heavy Machinery Manufacture Co., Ltd

Thanks for your support! Read the full testimonial & more industry messages ♥ here.

Inside The News
As part of Forkliftaction’s 25th anniversary celebrations, we have dug into the archive and, over the next year, will be highlighting a carefully curated selection of historical stories we have published over this time... Continue reading

Are you recruiting? Find your ideal candidate among a diverse range of materials handling professionals:

Forkliftaction's JOB MARKET

Are you recruiting? Find your ideal candidate among a diverse range of materials handling professionals:

Forkliftaction's JOB MARKET

“Over the years, your platform has played a key role in expanding our global presence — connecting us with industry professionals and promoting our advanced products, including our 50T electric forklift...Forkliftaction has helped us stay informed and competitive in a rapidly evolving market…”  - Bill Cai, Director, Overseas Division, Fujian Southchina Heavy Machinery Manufacture Co., Ltd

Thanks for your support! Read the full testimonial & more industry messages ♥ here.