Significant employment news has emerged from Plymouth and the West Midlands, where a prominent fastening supplier has been successfully rescued from administration by a major engineering group. The acquisition has secured the positions of more than 60 workers, providing vital stability for the regional workforce.
A Strategic Acquisition for Job Security
Clarity Group has confirmed its purchase of NDB Engineering and its sister company, Plympton-based Cofast. This decisive move has protected over 60 roles across the Black Country and the South West of England. The financial specifics of the transaction remain confidential, but the deal is positioned as a strategic step to ensure the long-term viability of the businesses.
Kevin Robinson, Chairman of Clarity Group, emphasised the strategic fit, stating: “Our latest purchase represents a perfect opportunity to increase our presence in two industrial markets that are receiving unprecedented investment.” He highlighted the excellent relationships both companies hold within the defence and nuclear sectors, which Clarity aims to enhance through further investment and technological upgrades.
Future Operations and Market Ambitions
The rescued business will continue to trade under the Cofast name. Management has outlined plans to secure new financial backing, aiming to capitalise on multi-million-pound opportunities, particularly in the decommissioning sector and large-scale domestic naval projects. The existing leadership team, including Managing Director Rebecca James and Technical Director Andy Williams, will remain in place to steer the company forward.
Cofast will maintain its operational footprint from two key sites: a substantial 22,000 sq ft manufacturing hub in Willenhall, West Midlands, and a 6,500 sq ft logistics centre located just minutes from the A38 in Plymouth. The company currently employs 64 people and generates approximately £7 million in annual revenue from its fasteners and turned parts order book, alongside a vast inventory of 20,000 engineered consumables.
Leveraging Expertise for Growth
The manufacturing operation specialises in bespoke applications, working with exotic alloys and producing parts ranging from 1.6mm to 48mm in size. Rebecca James commented on the company's legacy and future prospects: “We have been delivering critical parts for the nuclear and defence sector for nearly three decades... This trust in our manufacturing ability is something we can really drive by being part of a bigger group.”
She further revealed that the integration with Clarity Group is already opening doors to new infrastructure projects and market exploration. Aerospace has been identified as a prime target for expansion, leveraging the combined engineering knowledge and machine capacity within the larger group. Kevin Robinson added that the emphasis remains on improving the customer journey by providing unparalleled access to technical expertise and production capabilities.
This rescue deal not only preserves skilled manufacturing jobs in Plymouth and the West Midlands but also injects fresh investment and strategic direction into a business with a strong three-decade reputation in critical engineering sectors.
