Chiltern has completed an investment in Architectural Panel Solutions (“APS”), a manufacturer, fabricator and distributor of panel and framing products for commercial, residential and industrial buildings in the UK, continental Europe and the USA.

APS sells a number of well-established, own brands with over 30 years of history, including a unique composite stone panel product and two panel framing systems. It also distributes a range of third party panels. The company has revenues of c.£5 million and employs 20 staff from its head office and manufacturing facility in Hastings, as well as three staff from a sales office in Chicago (USA).

The company was previously a division of a UK building products group. Chiltern is backing the team comprised of Craig Chivers (Managing Director), Pete Brough (Head of UK & Europe) and Vince Lunn (Finance Director).

Chiltern has taken a majority stake in the company and will play an active role in supporting Management to accelerate growth across key markets through targeted investment, product development, and more focused sales efforts.

Craig Chivers, Managing Director, commented:

“I am very pleased to be working with Alex, Thomas and the team from Chiltern. Coupled with a strong investment programme and a clear vision for the business this represents a fantastic opportunity to significantly drive forward a British manufacturer both domestically and internationally on what I am sure will be a challenging but exciting journey.”

Alex Sheffield, Partner at Chiltern, added:

“We are delighted to be supporting Craig, Pete and Vince and the APS team at such an exciting time for the company. We look forward to working closely with them during the next phase of the company’s growth.”

Thomas Holroyd of Chiltern will join the Board.