Unipart has acquired Formaplex Technologies, a lightweight components manufacturer supplying the automotive, aerospace, motorsport and healthcare sectors.

Formaplex Technologies was established two decades ago as a specialist tooling partner in the F1 automotive sector. Today it has grown to become a key UK supplier of polymer and composite solutions and one of the few premium polymer injection moulding specialists in the UK supply chain, specialising in lightweight components.

Customers include McLaren, who are fully supportive of this acquisition and remain committed to working with the business in the future.

Unipart will integrate the operations into its existing manufacturing capability portfolio, ensuring continuity and maintaining the high operational and safety standards both companies deliver.

From today, Formaplex will be rebranded to Unipart Polymer and Composite Solutions.

Darren Leigh, Unipart CEO, said: "Growing our manufacturing capabilities through this acquisition expands our offering and aligns perfectly with our growth strategy."

On 16 January 2024, Sarah Collins and Mark Firmin of Alvarez & Marsal were appointed joint administrators of Formaplex Technologies.

The joint administrators had continued to trade the business for the last six months whilst seeking to sell the business and assets.