Macbey Metal Limited

Growth Fund - Loans & Equity Case Study

Macbey Metal Limited, based in Huddersfield, is an independent manufacturer of pressed metal packaging for a wide range of everyday products including cosmetic and pharmaceutical goods, shoe polish, and whisky tube bases and closures.

The company’s pressed tin plate closures are used by some of the country’s best known whisky brands to seal their bottle tubing while its aluminium screw caps are used to close personal care products.

The Company

Macbey started life in 2013 when it acquired the assets and staff of Metal Closures. The company employs 40 people and as well as serving domestic customers, it exports to Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

Managing Director John Macdonald is joined by Co-Directors Paul Bell and Mark Blayney. General Manager Jason Lehman and Mike Bean, Sales, are also shareholders in the business.

The Challenge

Building on its fresh start in 2013, Macbey needed to invest in its production facilities and new product development to enable the company to enter new sectors and grow international sales.

Finance Yorkshire involvement

A £300,000 Equity Linked Investment from Finance Yorkshire has opened up the opportunity for Macbey to move the business forward. Managing Director John Macdonald said: “We are now able to make equipment and process improvements to our lines as well as look at developing new products and exploring new markets.

The Investment Rationale

“The management team at Macbey has turned the business around since 2013,” said Finance Yorkshire Investment Director Paul Gower. “Our investment provides a platform from which the company can continue to build momentum with its existing customer base while at the same time entering new and attractive packaging sectors.”

Future Expectations

Macbey is confident of building on its strong position in the metal packaging marketplace. John Macdonald added: “A fresh start was required when we took the business on and the staff have been fantastic. They have been so receptive to new ideas and taken on new responsibilities to be part of our plans for transforming the business.”

Note: this case study is from Finance Yorkshire’s previous fund. Read more about Finance Yorkshire