Canford acquires Enclosure Systems
Published: MEA
WORLD: Canford has acquired the UK-based 19-inch rack brand Enclosure Systems (ES) and will take over manufacture and distribution of the range.
Having been one of Canford’s principal suppliers of 19-inch racks for the last 10 years, the brand has established a strong position within sections of the broadcast systems integration and audio and video installations markets. Canford will retain and develop the core ranges and will maintain continuity with existing ES customers and markets whilst expanding the brand’s reach further into the broadcast and installer sectors. Chas Luchford, ES’s sales manager is moving over to join Canford and will retain the ES portfolio. A stock buffer has been built to cover the transition period as the production and warehousing operation is moved to Canford’s head office.
‘Having made many acquisitions over our 36 year history, including relocating an entire warehousing operation from London to Washington over a single weekend, we are well practiced at the logistics planning for this type of activity,’ said Iain Elliott, Canford’s founder and director. ‘Continuity is key, and the product range and pricing is unchanged. Chas Luchford brings with him all the experiences, personal contacts and relationships, so apart from the heading on the invoice, nothing (not even part numbers) changes.’
‘We have identified there is significant potential for the ES brand around the globe,’ added Canford’s chief executive, Leif Friestad. ‘Our experience in frequently shipping to over 120 countries and our worldwide network of dealers and distributors makes me very confident for the future of Enclosure Systems.
‘The ES brand is a perfect fit for Canford. We are known amongst our peers for not only distributing products of high quality but for designing and manufacturing ranges to the same high standards,’ he continued. ‘We had been looking to enhance our 19-inch rack product offering for some time, and when the ES product range became available it was the obvious solution for everyone including both our existing and Enclosure Systems’ own customers who will continue to benefit from high service levels on high quality products. It is an obvious complement to the range of rackmount products that we manufacture at our Dorset operation – just a little larger!’
Racks and racking accessories have long been central to Canford’s product portfolio. The company believes this product acquisition will enable Canford to strengthen its position in its core markets and provides leverage to provide further brand exposure and expand into the closely associated IT and network infrastructure sectors. The acquisition of the Enclosure Systems brand is part of Canford’s expansion strategy announced 12 months ago.