Manufacturer announces acquisition of synergetic business

The acquisition is strongly aligned with Tong Engineering’s growth aspirations and is a natural progression for both businesses, based on long-term synergies and a highly respectful relationship between the two.

Established in 1986 by founder Terry Johnson, Terry Johnson Ltd initially set up business selling the Todd sugar beet cleaner loader and the Bettison range of wheel equipment. By 1987, the company had employed the complete Johnson family including Terry’s wife Betty, daughter Mandy and son Paul.

In 1994, the company purchased both the factory and product range of the well-known Swift Lift range of elevators and conveyors. With a loyal workforce and family values at its core, the company behind Swift Lift handling equipment built a reputation for high quality mobile conveying and elevating equipment backed by excellent customer service.

“Tong Engineering and Terry Johnson Ltd have a long history of working together,” says Tong Engineering managing director, Edward Tong. “We have always shared the same business values and my thanks go to the Johnson family for giving us the privilege of continuing their company’s legacy and products. We are excited to welcome the Terry Johnson Ltd team to the Tong family and look forward to building upon the company’s existing relationships with its customers and subcontract clients, as well as expanding the reach of Swift Lift equipment to new customers in the UK and overseas.”

Edward Tong will assume the managing director role of both businesses and current finance director at Tong Engineering, Teresa Morgan, will also expand her finance role across both businesses. Tong Engineering sales manager Richard Knighton will take his many years of industry experience across to the new acquisition and will head-up the commercial and product side of the business as general manager. Tong’s dedicated aftersales division, TongAssist, will also build upon the aftersales offering across the Swift Lift range.

Of the acquisition, Paul Johnson says: “I am very pleased that we have been able to establish such a fitting future for our family business. I am confident Tong will provide great security and prospect for our employees and customers, and look forward to working closely with the Tong team to ensure a smooth transition and handover. I would very much like to thank our staff and customers for their loyalty and support over the years.”

For more information on Tong Engineering and its range of advanced and efficient vegetable handling equipment, designed to maximise throughput and minimise labour requirements, visit Tong Engineering and Terry Johnson Ltd

Stand number: Hall 7, Stand 750

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