WINSFORD company Drives and Components has announced that it has become part of a Birkenhead-based engineering group.

The firm, based on Road Three, joined the MR Engineering group after a brief period of negotiations.

MR's business is in the direct supply of motors, gearboxes, pumps, inverters, various drives and controls.

The acquisition of D & C will now provide the company with branches in Winsford and Warrington.

D & C was formed nine years ago by Steve Kemp and Ray Mutch, who have built up their business distributing bearings and mechanical power transmission components.

The directors of D & C will remain with the business in senior management roles.

A spokesman for MR said: "Customers of both companies will now have access to a much wider product range, greater flexibility due to increased stockholdings, a choice of locations to deal with, and will be able to rely on one supplier for a wider range of quality services.

"Ray and Steve will bring with them many years of experience in their business area, which will also be a considerable benefit to our customers."

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