Manufacturer returns to North East ownership

A WELL-KNOWN manufacturing company has returned to regional ownership following a management buyout.

- GRAEME WHITFIELD

GT Group, which is based in Peterlee and makes engine air and engine emission control systems, has been acquired from private equity firm Rcapital by managing director Steve Wright, finance director Ian Black, HR director Kelly Kean and commercial and technical sales director Dean Machnicki.

Founded in the 1970s by North East businessman Geoff Turnbull, GT Group has grown to become a leading supplier of engine air valve systems for medium-and heavy-duty commercial vehicles and off-highway equipment. Its customer base includes global manufacturers such as Daimler, Volvo, Scania, JCB, MAN and John Deere, among others.

The company employs more than 180 people in Peterlee and has developed manufacturing capability overseas in India which supports international export programmes.