A multi-million pound support package from Ulster Bank is helping Dungannon-headquartered engineering company CK International Ltd enter a new phase of growth including the acquisition and integration of an English business with more than a century of manufacturing heritage.
Ulster Bank refinanced the locally-founded firm and provided a mixture of debt and trade finance to allow the acquisition of Telford-based Lyndex Recycling Systems and to support working capital as the enlarged firm plans for expansion.
The acquisition brings together the engineering expertise of CK International, founded almost 30 years ago, with the quality-driven manufacturing heritage of Lyndex Recycling Systems, whose history spans more than 100 years.
The combined company is rebranding to CK Lyndex, maintaining the link to both success stories. CK Lyndex is a leading manufacturer and supplier of balers and compactors, providing waste handling and recycling solutions to customers across a wide range of industries around the world. The combined business has significantly strengthened its product offering, manufacturing capability and market reach, enabling it to serve a broader customer base and accelerate growth.
The company is now investing in the next stage of its development with the support of the Ulster Bank-provided trade loan, and is recruiting for a number of new roles to support continued expansion.
Danny McGivern, Senior Relationship Manager at Ulster Bank, said: “Supporting ambitious local businesses as they grow is a key priority for Ulster Bank. CK International had a clear vision for how the acquisition of Lyndex Recycling Systems would strengthen the business and create new opportunities for growth, and we were pleased to support that ambition.
“The successful integration of the two companies demonstrates what can be achieved with the right strategic investment. It’s particularly encouraging to see the business now entering another phase of growth, creating new employment opportunities and building on Northern Ireland’s, and Dungannon’s, long-standing reputation for world-class engineering and manufacturing.”
Paul Conlon, Chairman of CK Lyndex, said: “Bringing together the strengths of CK International and Lyndex Recycling Systems has created a business that is significantly stronger than either company could have been independently. The acquisition has unlocked opportunities that simply weren’t available before, allowing us to expand our capabilities, enhance our product range, and better serve a much wider customer base.
“Ulster Bank has been a valued partner throughout this journey. The funding provided gave us the confidence and financial backing to complete the acquisition and support the working capital needs of the enlarged business. As a result, we’re now in a strong position to continue growing, investing in the business and recruiting talented people to support the next chapter of our success.”
The acquisition represents a significant milestone in the company’s growth strategy, combining decades of engineering expertise and manufacturing excellence to strengthen its position in domestic and international markets.
CK Lyndex is a leading manufacturer and supplier of balers and compactors for customers across a wide range of industries. The business combines the engineering heritage of CK International, founded almost 30 years ago in Dungannon, with the manufacturing expertise of Lyndex Recycling Systems, whose history spans more than 100 years. The company supplies waste handling and recycling solutions to customers around the world.