A change of ownership has seen the management taking over at a Black Country laser cutting and metals company.
Based on Willenhall Lane Industrial Estate in Bloxwich, Metal Processes was launched in 1994 and John Hayward has been at the helm for most of the years since then.
Over the years the company has benefited from continued investment, adding services to its laser cutting such as identification etching, form bending, tapping, countersinking, stud and nut inserting, which has born fruit in the firm of an expanding customer base.
Given the continuing success of Metal Processes and its strong management team, when John Hayward decided to step down from the business it was only natural for the existing management team to look to undertake a management buyout, or MBO, so they could become the new custodians of the business with limited disruption.
Mr Hayward said: "Knowing how strong the management team are, they would not only continue to manage the business but leave the business through a post-Brexit world for it to continue being the success that it is now.
The management team is led by Trevor Rankin, who becomes the new MD, supported by Garry Hayward-Bird. Trevor said: "Having worked in other business before, when I then started at Metal Processes I instantly knew this would be my home for the rest of my business career and as such I want to help continue and foster the culture of putting the customer first which has helped make Metal Processes what it is today.
John Hayward brought in Dudley corporate law firm Hawkins Hatton to help him conclude his journey with Metal Processes as the firm had worked with him over a number of years and helped at crucial stages when sound legal advice with a commercial dimension was required.
Hawkins Hatton's corporate partner, Colin Rodrigues, said: John has been an outstanding businessman with a proven track record who has made Metal Processes into the success story that it is today and I wish him well with his retirement and to the management team I say that they have taken over a strong business which has been founded on customer service.
HSBC has worked with John Hayward and Metal Processes throughout their ourney and commercial manager Alex Richards said :HSBC have a long history with supporting manufacturing business. Having a customer like Metal Processes with John Hayward at the helm always made this one of my favourite customers to deal with as I have seen how the company has grown over the years through its customer service.