Earlex Ltd is now part of the Wagner-Group, following an acquisition, it announced yesterday (Friday).
The UK-based manufacturer of wallpaper strippers, paint spray guns and hot air guns serves the DIY market but also operates in the beauty industry with its spray tanning equipment. The other companies that have made up part of the Earlex Group to date, namely Ewbank with its floor cleaning products business, and Clarke Cable with its Cable Solutions business will remain in the hands of the current owners, the Baseley and Hopper families.

Earlex, which is based in Guildford, Surrey, said its product portfolio will supplement the consumer business of the Wagner-Group.

Switzerland-based Wagner is a global company that manufactures specialised surface cleaning solutions and technologies that are used by DIY enthusiasts, tradesmen and in industry.

Chairman and ceo of Earlex, Julian Baseley, said: "After over 26 years of developing the business I am delighted that Earlex will now be joining with Wagner, who are renowned worldwide for the quality of their professional and industrial products and to become part of the now market leading group who will ensure that the Earlex company mantra of quality, performance and service will continue.

"The dedication to the objectives of making renovation and decorating projects easier, faster and more convenient for consumers will continue as before and grow further."

Ceo of the Wagner-Group, Thorsten Koch, added: "In Earlex we are buying a company which has very firm roots and a strong presence in its domestic market in England and also has a great deal of potential in its other sales markets. We at Wagner are delighted to be gaining this additional reinforcement from the Earlex's management and workforce."

Earlex was founded in 1987 and now has a workforce of over 100 people. Its first product was the electric wallpaper steamer, which it has sold around seven million of today. The company is also well known for its HVLP (high volume low pressure) 'SprayStation' units, which it said will now supplement Wagner's extensive HVLP product range, which includes the spray gun 'FLEXiO' that was launched this year.

Wagner was founded in 1947 in Germany. Its product range extends from hand-held paint spraying systems to professional coating and plastering equipment. The company supplies its products to both DIY enthusiasts and industry tradesmen.