The leading reusable IBC manufacturer, Francis Ward has completed its acquisition of the All Plastic (APL) IBC from Tycon Container Group. The agreement was signed on the 07 April 2006 between Jonathan Wurr and Chris Rishworth, Managing Directors of Francis Ward and Tycon Containers respectively, and both companies feel that it is part of their future development strategies.

Wurr believes that the addition of the APL to the Francis Ward range, fills a gap in its full range of IBC types.  The acquisition will increase sales in the UK and also gives extended opportunities in Europe through Francis Ward’s increasing network of agents and distributors.

Rishworth believes that the agreement allows Tycon to concentrate on its core business of servicing and testing IBCs, as well as representing Ucon stainless steel containers in the UK. It represents a move away from the direct manufacturing of IBCs for the company.

New units and replacement bottles will be supplied by Francis Ward, but both companies will be able to complete testing, servicing and repair on IBCs in the field.

All Plastic IBCs have been more common in Europe than the UK in recent years. Wurr believes the APL can give Francis Ward a strategic advantage in Europe and so grow its European sales.

Francis Ward sought the acquisition of the APL because it fitted with the company’s business model and complemented its current product range. Francis Ward prides itself on manufacturing reusable multi-trip IBCs only. The APL is designed to be robust and durable over a long lifetime.

The APL was first developed as a multi-trip UN approved unit for the chemical industry. It was designed to eliminate metal from the construction, enabling applications where corrosive liquids are handled. However, the APL has not remained exclusively for the chemical industry. Other markets have seen advantages to changing to an all plastic IBC. Again the removal of metal in its construction allows food and pharmaceutical manufacturers to ensure integrity of product.