Maccaferri acquires Linear Composites

The Maccaferri Group, headquartered in Bologna, Italy, has acquired Yorkshire-based Linear Composites Ltd. and sister company Epitropic Fibres Ltd. The purchase was completed earlier this year.

Linear Composites, a manufacturer of geosynthetics and fiber-reinforced products used in civil engineering, industrial, and military applications, was formerly owned by JWH Group Ltd. The company acquired Epitropic Fibres in 2002 and manufactures anti-static polyester material and its own geosynthetic materials. Epitropic Fibres products are used in the manufacture of dry-filtration media and other niche markets where anti-static properties are required.

Linear Composites, originally an ICI company, had been owned by JWH Group since 1989. With an average turnover of £4.5 million (U.K. pounds/$8.25 million U.S.) in the last five years, the company employs 22 in production and 10 administrative staff members at its headquarters in Keighley, West Yorkshire, with a subsidiary office in the United States.

In addition to Paragrid, Paralink, and Paradrain for civil engineering applications, the company also manufactures Parafil synthetic ropes and cables, Paraweb synthetic webbing, and Pararib wall-lining material for the mining industry.