Established in 1903, Francis Brown is a manufacturer of pressure vessels and structural fabrications. The move strengthens and broadens Aberdeen-based Glacier Energy’s manufacturing capability, which is evolving to support its soon-to-be launched range of hydrogen storage and distribution products.

The transaction was arranged by FRP Advisory following its appointment as administrators of Francis Brown, with the sale to Glacier Energy coming as part of a pre-pack administration.

The acquisition takes the Glacier Energy Group head count to over 300, with all employees transferring from Francis Brown, contributing to the strategic growth plan to double the size of the group by 2028.

Drawing on strong customer demand, the company will now create a larger manufacturing division within two key locations at Stockton-on-Tees and Rotherham to support strategic sustainable energy projects and growing manufacturing requirements.

The directors of Francis Brown, Jamie Brown and Duncan Warriner, will remain with the business and will hold senior roles within Glacier Energy’s manufacturing division.

Scott Martin, CEO of Glacier Energy, said: “Francis Brown is a well-respected family business that aligns perfectly with our plans to increase our capacity and capabilities in Teesside as a strategic location.

“We look forward to integrating their excellent team to realise significant opportunities ahead and building the strong relationships we have already established.

“Recent strategic investment from Averroes and BGF was secured to support Glacier Energy’s rapid growth, both organically and through strategic acquisitions. This news underlines positive progress, and we look forward to continuing this journey at pace.”

Mr Brown said: “Extensive discussions with Glacier Energy in advance of the acquisition underlined how aligned we were, both in terms of the potential opportunity ahead, but also in terms of our respective cultures. I’m looking forward to this exciting next step.”