In 2013, TriMas Corporation (NASDAQ: TRS), a US-based industrial group with annual sales of almost $1 billion, acquired the market-leading UK firm Wulfrun Specialised Fasteners.

The business was bought from the founders, who set up the company in 1986. TriMas renamed the company (as Lamons UK) and relocated it, integrating it into its global gaskets and fasteners business.

Following a downturn in the oil and gas industry, plus a change in strategy, TriMas decided to move the gasket division out of the UK. However, it wanted to divest the special fasteners side of the business. 

The opportunities in Wulfrun were clear to us. The company’s reputation was excellent and we could see the quality of the workforce including the knowledge, insight and passion that these people brought to the business.

TriMas was looking for a trade buyer to take Wulfrun off its hands but was struggling to find a suitable deal. A particular stumbling block was a significant TUPE liability with regard to long-term employees.

As we prefer to take a people-orientated approach and retain staff wherever possible, this TUPE liability wasn’t an issue for us. We submitted an offer to TriMas based on our unique ethos and it was quickly accepted. The deal was completed in just a few weeks and Wulfrun returned to its roots as an independent UK company.

Following substantial investment by Arkle, to develop the business and support its growth, Wulfrun grew from strength to strength as one of the world’s foremost suppliers of specialist fasteners for high-value applications. In July 2021 Arkle sold the business to Wulfrun’s management team via an MBO.