Kenworth takes Universal Motors into its fold

Kenworth Products has acquired Ispwich-based Universal Motors - formerly known as Efacec. According to Kenworth, the Suffolk firm had been struggling got get products to its customers in recent months because of "major problems" within its Portuguese parent company.

Universal will operate as a division of Kenworth, supplying its ranges of single- and three-phase motors, up to 250kW. Terry Walters is staying on as the general manager.

"Kenworth is continuing to buck the trend within the electric motor industry with continuous year-on-year growth," says Kenworth`s product manager, Dave Stanley, "and the purchase of Universal Motors, together with rapid growth in our export department, will strengthen our position in the marketplace".