Bison Manufacturing, a subsidiary of Laing O’Rourke has been sold by the company to a buildings a products manufacturer. Bison Manufacturing has been a part of Laing O’Rourke for a  number of years. The privately owned international engineering company first acquired Bison at the worst part of the global financial crisis. The acquisition of the company by Laing O’Rourke managed to save hundreds of regional jobs and meant that the rich history of the manufacturing company could carry on.

Bison Manufacturing was first established in 1919 by two officers from The Royal Engineers who saw an opportunity for a business in the different military applications for precast concrete. The company first opening in Stourton in leeds and has a rich, military connected history. Since first being established, the company has developed in order to become the leader of the precast concrete industry.

The deal, valued to at around £20 million will see Forterra acquire the trade and assets of Bison Manufacturing from Laing O’Rourke. It is thought that for Forterra, Bison offer a unique opportunity for the company to jump to take a leading role in the precast concrete industry in the UK. This acquisition will also allow forterra to expand their business which is at the moment slightly restricted by capacity.

The buildings product manufacturer has also gained a business partnership from the acquisition of the precast concrete specialists. Part of the agreement was a five-year commercial agreement between Forterra and Laing O’Rourke that will see hollowcore and other precast products sold to Laing O’Rourke.

Forterra will be investing in valuable assets through the procurement of Bison, and also implementing a solution to the company’s challenges with capacity, allowing the company to grow and develop in the future. The partnership which has been formed between the companies is one that is focussed on looking ahead to the future adn will hopefully enhance the value of all three companies in the future.