Rubix UK has acquired Gapp Automation Ltd, a specialist technical distributor of motion, control and automation (MCA) solutions, as part of the Group's network development strategy.

Established in 2008, Gapp is a leading supplier of automation and drives solutions to the UK and Irish markets. The business focuses on machine controls, visualisation, electrical drives, linear motion, measurement and sensing, motors and gearboxes, mechanical transmission and light and sound products, for a wide range of industry sectors including packaging, material handling, medical/rehab, food and beverage and labelling.

Based in Bedford, Gapp Automation's team of ten employees includes five specialist technical managers providing high levels of product and application expertise to their growing customer base. Sales of c. £4m were generated in the year ending 31 December 2022.

Gapp Automation will become part of the Rubix UK Motion, Control & Automation business unit, retaining its existing branding, whilst becoming 'A Rubix Company'. In joining this business unit, Gapp Automation will extend the Group's technical capabilities into electrical MCA solutions while providing synergies for both organisations in relation to the breadth and depth of customer offer.

Peter Walker, Managing Director of Gapp Automation commented: "This is an exciting time for Gapp Automation. Over the past 15 years we have developed a comprehensive range of MCA products, from industry leading supply partners. I am very proud of our awesome team and the growth they have achieved over these years. Becoming part of the Rubix family is a natural next step for our business. Working more closely with Rubix's existing mechanically focused MCA businesses, Matara and KJN, provides great synergy and a fantastic opportunity to continue our growth and business expansion plans.

"We are very appreciative of the strategic alliances we have built over the past 15 years with our supply partners , and we look forward to further expanding these relationships now that Gapp is a key part of Rubix UK. In addition, we have the privilege of working with our great customers. With our growth plans, together with gaining full access to the greater resources we will enjoy being part of Rubix, we look forward to working closely with all of our customers in the future, and developing our support resources and capabilities further."

Gapp Automation will report into Bob Clark, Managing Director of Rubix's MCA business unit in the UK.

Vince McGurk, CEO of Rubix UK, Ireland and Iceland commented: "I am extremely pleased to welcome Gapp to the Rubix family. The acquisition further develops our multi-specialist offer by expanding our capabilities in the high-growth MCA sector. The team's deep technical expertise and commitment to creating customer value reflects our approach perfectly and I am looking forward to working closely with them on the immediate opportunities this will create."

Peter Walker (Managing Director), Graham Goodge (Sales Director) and all members of the Gapp team will remain in their current roles, whilst Jattinder Panesar (co-founder) will retire.