A RADCLIFFE engineering company has strengthened its foothold in the paper and board industry with the announcement of a significant acquisition.

Following successful negotiations, Eton Hill Road-based Parsons Skillforce is to acquire the paper products division and the steam systems division of Reiss Engineering Limited.

The move comes as Parsons had been considering ways to augment its existing

presence within the paper and board industry.

Parsons say as the two companies have previously worked closely together, there was an "obvious synergy to be exploited."

The agreement covers the transfer of the steam and condensate systems and

the shower and oscillator range of equipment. It will also include the Tailjet, Automatic Tail and Deckle Cutting systems , recently acquired by Reiss.

All design, manufacturing, installation and service support will transfer to Parsons Skillforce which is involved in paper machinery designers and manufacturers. The company, which is also specialists in stainless steel pipework, tanks, vessels and fabrication for the paper, board, food and chemical industries, is also committed to supporting existing enquiries and orders.

Several Reiss employees will be joining the Parsons team as part of the deal. They include system designers, service engineers, sales and marketing personnel.

Parsons Skillforce will retain Martin Waters, the managing director of Reiss Engineering, in a consultancy role.

"Acquiring these two Reiss divisions marks a significant expansion for our business," said Bernard Wright, joint managing director of Parsons Skillforce.

"It will enable us to extend our range of in-house, manufactured products and will give us access to new overseas markets in which Reiss already has extensive experience."

He added: "The people are a key component in this agreement. Their knowledge and experience is vitally important to the continued success of the business.

"Both teams from Parsons and Reiss will join

together to provide a broad range of technical skills at the high levels that are demanded today by paper mills world-wide."

Although the Reiss name will continue to be used, the day-to-day activities of the two divisions will be fully integrated within the Parsons Skillforce operation at Radcliffe.

The company will also maintain a southern office to ensure "on hand" support across the country.

Reiss Engineering's head office is in Stanmore, Middlesex, and the business also has an office in Bolton.