The rise of Industry 4.0 technology in the UK has been cited as the reason behind the deal, with Made in the Midlands saying it will generate increased interest in the specialist technical support and R&D services of the 100-year-old, not-for-profit RAPRA.
The two organisations will start work on a new, joint model to help grow RAPRA’s offering and support research and development, manufacturing improvement and the introduction of new applications involving polymer science in the UK.
Jason Pitt, CEO of Made in the Midlands, said: “It’s very exciting to be given the opportunity of acquiring and growing RAPRA. Although there is uncertainty globally, I don’t think the future of manufacturing and industrialisation is uncertain. With America taking the lead, I expect to see growth in industry, in particular those businesses and sectors that have invested in R&D. The acquisition of RAPRA will help us to deliver that message more powerfully.”
Made in the Midlands is a group for managing directors and CEOs of manufacturing and engineering firms in the Midlands. The membership group currently has over 340 members and hosts over 30 events through the year.
RAPRA director Stephen Shaw explained: “We are very excited and encouraged to see the success that Made in the Midlands has in the years since it has been in existence. We are looking forward to working and developing the joint model together in the coming months and years.”
