Fast-growing PPE and MRO leader Gibb Group expands footprint with North East acquisition

Posted on 02 March 2022

• Rapidly expanding PPE and MRO specialist Gibb Group buys Teesside-based PPE Suppliers Ltd.
• The customer-first ethos of the family-owned business makes it a “perfect fit” for Gibb Group’s ambitious plans.
• A base in a region of massive investment and industrial growth reinforces Gibb’s reputation and capability as the energy sector’s PPE and MRO partner of choice.

Fast-growing Gibb Group today (1 March) announced its permanent presence in the North East with the acquisition of Teesside-based PPE Suppliers.

The much-respected family business, run by Managing Director Andy Laking, his wife, Julie, and daughter, Becky, was targeted for its reputation across the energy and wider sectors.

Its mantra of quality and customer first made it an ideal fit for Gibb Group, offering it a base in a region experiencing unprecedented inward investment and industrial growth.

Gibb Group, which operates out of Aberdeen, Great Yarmouth and IJmuiden, and is part of Clarkson PLC, has a global footprint operating out of more than 20 countries.

Director Terry Simmons said rising demand from Gibb customers in the North East had driven the acquisition.

PPE Suppliers is Middlesbrough's largest PPE and safety shop, based in South Bank, close to the Dorman Point Teesworks redevelopment.

“The location will help us support our increasing demands from new and existing clients operating from the North East and will fuel the business’ dynamic development even further.

“The Gibb business is seeing excellent organic growth and is further looking for acquisitions that are seen as a great fit to the business in terms of the people with it and geographical location.

“Andy and his team have a reputation in the area for outstanding customer service, which was a fundamental need when we were looking to strengthen the team.”

PPE Suppliers will rebrand and operate from today (1 March) as a Gibb Group company, which includes Gibb Tools and Gibb Safety and Survival, and has about 70 years’ experience in the supply of MRO (maintenance, repairs and operations) products to the energy, marine and industrial sectors. Gibb Safety & Survival was added in 2019.

Laking, who has more than 25 years’ experience within equipment hire, safety supplies and business, has run PPE Suppliers since 2016 as a family business.

He said: “Joining the Gibb Group business will allow us to deliver even greater supply solutions to our customers, Teesside is seeing unprecedented inward investment and industrial growth.

“I am confident being part of the Gibb business and team along with the solid operational reputation and expertise gained by PPE Suppliers - will together realise such a large-scale opportunity. We couldn’t be happier than to be part of this fantastic business.”