Double management buyout at workwear companies Dale Techniche and J & K Ross

The new owners of two workwear companies that underwent a double management buyout say the businesses are set for growth.

Warrington-based distributor J & K Ross and Nelson-based manufacturer Dale Techniche have been acquired from the Ross family by a management team led by Neil Wilcock.

The businesses have nearly 50 staff in total and a combined turnover of £10m. The deal was funded by Close Brothers though the value has not been disclosed.

J & K Ross was founded by Jean and Ken Ross in 1976 and supplies safety workwear, protective and hi-vis clothing, uniforms and PPE to clients in sectors from utilities and construction to oil and gas, chemicals and petrochemicals. Its Warrington site includes a retail shop alongside its offices, warehousing, embroidery and printing operations.

Lancashire's Dale Techniche makes flame-retardant clothing, racewear and flight wear such as pilots’ uniforms, and health and safety workwear. The business was acquired by the Ross family in 2003.

J & K Ross and Dale Techniche will continue to trade as standalone businesses.

The buyout team alongside Mr Wilcock includes J & K Ross accounts and logistics director, Sharon Sykes, the company’s purchasing manager, Phil Taylor, customer experience manager, Lisa Robinson and communications and IT manager, Phill Moir-Riches, and Donna Emmott, the operations director at Dale Techniche.

Neil Wilcock joined J & K Ross as a sales representative more