Press Release
Re-Ropes Acquires Bluecoat Engineering Ltd
In brief Re-Ropes, a wholly owned division of the WH Scott Group, has acquired Bluecoat Engineering Ltd, a Beckenham, Kent specialist in lift car refurbishment, reskinning and component manufacture. Together the two businesses offer lift companies, facilities managers and building owners a single partner for lift refurbishment and modernisation, from the machine room to the car interior.
Re-Ropes Limited, the lift industry specialist business unit and a wholly owned division of the WH Scott Group, has acquired Bluecoat Engineering Ltd. Founded in 2011 and based in Beckenham, Kent, Bluecoat Engineering is a specialist engineering company serving the lift industry across London and the UK.
Established in 1986, Re-Ropes was the first independent company in the UK to provide a supply and fit roping service to the lift industry. It is now a leading provider of lift ropes, sheaves, and the associated machinery and maintenance services, with engineers based across the country. Re-Ropes joined the WH Scott Group in 2022.
Led by directors Graham Ladbrook, Michael Roach and Ray Lynch, Bluecoat Engineering has built a strong reputation for fast, competitive and high-quality work. The company specialises in lift car refurbishment and reskinning, which gives existing lifts a modern, durable finish without the cost and disruption of full replacement. It also designs and manufactures a wide range of lift components, from lift cars, doors and interiors to shaft and machine room equipment, and provides mechanical overhaul and maintenance services. Its own team of trained lift engineers installs this work on site anywhere in the UK.
The two businesses are a natural fit. Re-Ropes specialises in the machinery that moves the lift, while Bluecoat Engineering specialises in the lift car and the components around it. Together they can offer lift companies, facilities managers and building owners a single, trusted partner for lift refurbishment and modernisation, from the machine room to the car interior.
Bluecoat Engineering is the ninth acquisition within the WH Scott Group’s growing portfolio of specialist engineering and testing companies and brands. Existing clients will continue to receive the same high level of support, with access to the full Re-Ropes service and an expanded range of services across the Group.
“I’m delighted to welcome Bluecoat Engineering to Re-Ropes. For almost 40 years, Re-Ropes has focused on keeping the UK’s lifts moving safely and reliably. Bluecoat brings the car, the landings and the fabricated components that sit around our work, so together we can offer our customers a far more complete refurbishment service. Just as importantly, Graham, Michael, Ray and their team share our values of quality, reliability and genuine customer service. I’m looking forward to working together and to the opportunities this creates for our customers and our people.”
— Sean Mulvihill, Director of Re-Ropes
“This acquisition is an important milestone for Re-Ropes and for the Group. Graham, Michael, Ray and the team have built Bluecoat Engineering into a highly respected name in the lift industry, known for its quality and craftsmanship, and we are delighted to welcome them. Bringing both businesses together means Re-Ropes can now support its customers across almost every part of a lift refurbishment project, and I believe the synergy between them will create new opportunities for growth, innovation and enhanced service delivery.”
— Patrick Doyle, CEO of the WH Scott Group
“We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved since founding the company, and of the skilled team who have made it possible. Joining Re-Ropes and the wider WH Scott Group is the right next step for the business, our customers and our employees. Our services complement each other perfectly, and together we can offer the lift industry something genuinely complete.
We would like to thank our dedicated team and loyal customers for their support over the years, and we look forward to the next chapter and the added strength and opportunities this partnership will bring.”
— The Directors of Bluecoat Engineering
The acquisition aligns with the WH Scott Group’s long-term strategy of expanding its technical capabilities and geographic footprint across Ireland and the UK. With the support of investment partner Renatus Capital Partners, the WH Scott Group is committed to building a market-leading network of companies that deliver innovative, compliant and reliable solutions.
Advisors
Sell side
- Deal advisory: KBS Corporate Brokers
- Accounting: Paul Britt of Baker Britt
- Legal: K3 Law
Buy side
- Acquisition lead: Peter Stapleton of WH Scott Group
- Legal: Tughans LLP team of John McGuickan, Brendan Donnelly and Sarah-Jane Bellingham
- Tax: HNH Partners team of Mark Hood, Angela Keery and Christine Altimas
Notes to editors
About Re-Ropes. Established in 1986, Re-Ropes was the first independent company in the UK to provide a supply and fit roping service to the lift industry. A wholly owned division of the WH Scott Group since 2022, Re-Ropes provides the supply and installation of ropes, chains, belts, sheaves and pulleys, together with lift machinery and maintenance services, from engineers based across the UK.
About the WH Scott Group. Lifting and engineering experts since 1897, the WH Scott Group provides lifting, inspection, height safety, lift services, engineering inspection, testing and composite manufacturing solutions. It serves safety-critical sectors including nuclear, construction, energy and industry from depots across the UK and Ireland.
Media enquiries. Gary Crawford, Group Marketing Manager — Gary@whscottlifting.com · 01454 332270 / 07825 816945. High resolution images available on request.