Newable Capital has announced it has acquired a majority shareholding in leading UK coffin manufacturer J.C. Atkinson & Son (JCA).

Founded in 1936, and based in the North East, JCA has grown through three generations of family ownership to become the leading independent manufacturer and distributor of coffins, caskets and other related products to the UK funeral market. The business now employs 150 staff across three UK locations, the company’s products have an outstanding reputation for quality across the breadth of the funeral market.

JCA offers the UK’s most extensive range of products, from traditional to personalised or environmentally friendly coffins, all delivered on short lead times across the country and with exceptional quality customer service. The company has been at the forefront of the green growth in the industry, implementing sustainable energy features to minimise its environmental impact and develop more environmentally friendly products. The business was first to gain certification Forest Stewardship Council® for its use of green sources of raw materials.

The long-term investment by Newable Capital, will enable the business to build on its leading position in the market and deliver an increased capacity of a broader range of products from its existing factories to its long-standing client relationships. The core leadership team at JCA will remain unchanged with Tom Curran joining the Board as a Non-Executive Director.

The acquisition follows Newable Capital’s majority investment in Leeds-based ARC Building Solutions at the end of 2019, reflecting its ambitions to support outstanding, profitable UK SMEs working at the heart of the economy.

Peter Barrand, Managing Director at Newable Capital commented: “JCA’s profile as multi-generational family business that leads in a changing market is an ideal fit for Newable Capital. We have been working with Julian and his team for the best part of a year, which has seen considerable challenges for the sector. As the market starts to stabilise, we look forward to working with the business to help deliver on the considerable growth opportunities in the market.”

Julian Atkinson, Managing Director of J.C. Atkinson & Son, adds: “I have been looking for a long-term strategic partner for some time who shares our ambitions in the market. Our market is changing and customers are demanding greater choice and transparency, we want to be at the forefront of that change helping our customers at a time of need. The last three months have put considerable strain on our trade, but I am delighted to say we have been able to support all our existing customers and new ones, which further underpins future growth.”