River Capital Backs Acquisition of Framos Fabrications

River Capital has provided a significant six-figure investment from the North West Business Growth Loan Fund to support the acquisition of Framos Fabrications Ltd — a long-established bespoke sheet metal fabricator based in Failsworth, Manchester.

The acquisition has been completed by incoming directors Martin Lightbowne and David Jefferies through their new holding company, J&L Engineering Group Ltd.

Founded in 1981, Framos Fabrications has built a strong reputation over more than four decades as a trusted provider of high-quality, bespoke sheet metal fabrication and powder coating services.

With a workforce of 15 skilled employees and a loyal client base of nearly 100 businesses, many of them long-standing — the business operates predominantly across the North West and West Yorkshire.

The transaction was prompted by the previous owners decision to exit the business, with River Capital’s investment supporting a total consideration of £1.25m and ensuring continuity for the business and its employees.

Martin Lightbowne and David Jefferies are experienced engineers and business owners with complementary backgrounds across manufacturing, operations, and finance. David currently owns Anderson Hydraulics Ltd, a specialist engineering business, and the pair share an ambition to build a pan-regional engineering group with Framos Fabrications as its manufacturing hub.

The Directors plan to invest for growth, signalling investment in both the staff base and the expansion of their powder coating capabilities and continued growth in new service lines. Central to their vision is the development of a bespoke apprenticeship programme aimed at creating opportunities for young people in the region, including those with additional needs such as autism and ADHD.

The investment is expected to safeguard all 15 existing jobs, with a minimum of five further roles to be created over the loan period.

On the funding Framos Fabrications Martin Lightbowne said:

“Framos Fabrications has everything we were looking for — a skilled and experienced team, a strong client base, and a solid reputation built over decades. Working with River Capital has given us more than funding — they’ve given us a partner who genuinely gets what we’re building. We’re ready to get to work, and we’re determined to create something that leaves a real mark on this region — including the apprenticeship programme we have planned.

Chris Carter, Investment Manager at River Capital, commented:

“Framos Fabrications is a genuinely impressive business, over 40 years old, with a loyal team and customer base that speaks volumes about how it’s been run. This acquisition puts the business in the hands of two highly experienced engineers and

entrepreneurs who have a clear strategy for growth. We’re delighted to play a role in securing its future and enabling the next chapter.”

The deal was introduced to River Capital by Jerry Scriven of TC Leonherman, with financial due diligence provided by Onpoint Financial.