Member News: Glacier Energy’s Acquisition of AGS Boosts Capabilities Across Rail and Industrial Sectors

November 7, 2024
Member News: Glacier Energy’s Acquisition of AGS Boosts Capabilities Across Rail and Industrial Sectors

Acquisition strengthens Glacier Energy’s mechanical solutions capabilities in the North-East of England and expands services for renewable and industrial markets.

5 November 2024 – Glacier Energy has acquired Advanced Group Services Limited (AGS), an independent heat transfer company, based in Tyne & Wear. This acquisition will enable Glacier Energy to establish a mechanical solutions hub in the North-East of England, supporting the company increase its presence in renewable and industrial markets, including rail. Through expanding the range of heat exchanger repair and refurbishment services, and achieving pull-through from other group companies, Glacier Energy’s ambition is to double the size of the business in just three years.

The acquisition of AGS, which operates from a 26,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility in Washington, follows recent investment from Averroes Capital and BGF, supporting Glacier Energy’s growth through both organic development and targeted acquisitions. Glacier Energy demonstrated its commitment to the North-East of England earlier this year, with the acquisition of Francis Brown in Teesside. Francis Brown, which specialises in the design and manufacture of heat transfer equipment, is highly complementary to AGS’s repair and refurbishment offering.

This acquisition is aligned with Glacier Energy’s vision of establishing strategic locations across the UK to support sustainable industry growth and provide new job opportunities. As part of Glacier Energy’s investment in the North-East of England, the site will enable the company to attract skilled talent and contribute to the economic growth of the region, reinforcing Glacier Energy’s long-term commitment to UK industry.

Scott Martin, CEO of Glacier Energy, said: “The acquisition of AGS is a significant milestone for Glacier Energy. The North-East of England offers an ideal environment for our expansion as it is rapidly becoming a centre for renewable and industrial growth. This acquisition allows us to build on AGS’s established reputation and develop a robust base to deliver expanded services across industrial and rail markets. We are committed to backing the region’s growth and building on its industrial strengths for the future.”

Philip Riches, Managing Director of AGS, commented:

“This acquisition represents an exciting opportunity for AGS, enabling a broader range of mechanical services to be provided to our loyal customer base. There is strong cultural and strategic fit between the companies and the acquisition will set AGS on a strong path to continue supporting the industrial and rail markets it serves with renewed focus and commitment.”

Get in touch

AREG is the original energy transition organisation, working on behalf of members to empower the energy supply chain and champion its expertise. Please get in touch if you have any questions or would like to find out more about membership.

Contact Us
“

AREG has played an important role in the growth of Scotland’s renewable energy sector, engaging the supply chain and developing the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre. However, we are only at the very beginning of the transition that AREG was established to both lead and support so there are still opportunities for companies to get into the constantly evolving renewables supply chain. We look forward to continuing our work together as renewables builds on its place as Scotland’s main source of power, and as we seek to deliver real change in the crucial areas of heat and transport.

Scottish Renewables
“

Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce has worked closely with AREG since its formation. The recent progress in the developments of offshore wind projects by Equinor and Vattenfall are as a result of the work of the group over many years. The north-east is known as the oil and gas capital of Europe. At the Chamber, we believe the region must evolve its position to being recognised as the energy capital. Whilst hydrocarbons will continue to be essential in driving our economy for years to come, the generation of renewable resources will play an increasingly important role in providing cost-effective power, innovative development and economic growth.

Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce
“

The enthusiasm and dedication of the early group that would become AREG was fundamental in us choosing to launch All-Energy in Aberdeen. The first tiny show was held in 2001, and AREG’s Chairman at the time, Jeremy Cresswell, played such an active role that I often describe him in terms such as All-Energy’s ‘midwife’. All-Energy is now the UK’s largest renewable and low carbon energy exhibition and conference in terms of number of attendees, space booked, and number of exhibiting companies. As AREG became firmly established, their presence and support for the event grew spectacularly over the years. We thank them most sincerely for their invaluable input.

All-Energy
“

Vattenfall has forged a strong working relationship with AREG through the development of the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre. AREG has worked tirelessly on behalf of the North East and it can take enormous credit for the growth of sustainable energy in the region and the path it has cleared for the region to capture further investment.

Vattenfall
“

Aberdeen City and Shire is emerging as a key location for renewables by successfully transferring its world-class oil and gas expertise into the sector and AREG has done much to advance this through a broad range of initiatives. It has acted as a catalyst in driving further investment in the local economy by engaging with companies, Government, public bodies and existing projects and we have been pleased to support their efforts. Scottish Enterprise will continue to engage with AREG as we increase Scotland’s use of renewable energy.

Scottish Enterprise