"McClure offers a very attractive product portfolio and its great future potential will be core to ATB’s long-term development," says Christian Schmidt, the Austrian company’s chief executive.

"McClure is a first-class company, with a skilled workforce and excellent products," he adds. "It complements our international network of electric motor manufacturers perfectly."

McClure traces its history back to 1892 when it was one of the pioneers of DC generators and lighting equipment. It incorporates the electric controls and components manufacturer and repairer, Vlasto, Clark & Watson.

McClure specialises in made-to-order motors designed to solve particular problems. Its customers include the Indian, Brazilian and British navies, as well as automotive companies in Europe, the US and the Far East.

The company produces flameproof and hazardous area motors for Zone 1 and 2 applications. It also makes marine motors, both for ship-board applications such as winches, deck hoists and propulsion, and for dockside applications such as cranes and pumps. Its portfolio includes low-noise motors for sub-sea applications.

McClure also makes compact high-speed motors – operating at speeds of up to 10,000 rpm and beyond – in water- and air-cooled versions, with flameproof and explosion-proof versions available as options.

McClure is being bought by the Leeds-based mining motors specialist ATB Morley which the Austrian company bought in 2004. The new acquisition will operate as a subsidiary of ATB Morley, using the David McClure name where appropriate.

ATB also owns Brook Crompton through its majority shareholding in the Singaporean group, Lindeteves Jacoberg.