A CHESHIRE industrial coatings company could double the size of its Runcorn base after taking over a rival.

Weilburger Coatings has bought Trimite and appointed a new chief executive to lead the enlarged group.

Weilburger, part of the German Grebe Group, supplies industrial, high-temperature and non-stick coatings including varnishes and paints to sectors including defence and transport.

The enlarged Weilburger Coatings will be led by Mark Franckel, who was previously chief executive of Rochdale-based Precision Technologies Group.

Tim Rand, who was managing director of Weilburger’s UK operation for almost 30 years, will step down from day-to-day operations in Runcorn, but will continue as managing director of parent company Weilburger Lacke Handelsgessellschaft.

Mr Franckel said: “This merger is without doubt an exciting move in the right direction.

“We will now be able to offer a complete one-stop solution for all our customers’ industrial finishing requirements.

“In the medium term, we’re also looking to expand our operation in Runcorn, to develop our export business further.

“This could involve doubling the size of the operation here.”

The new company will have five manufacturing sites in the UK and three overseas in Ireland, Hungary and the US. Mr Frankel warned there could be some job losses at the former Trimite businesses.

He said: “The current economic climate has proved very difficult for all in UK manufacturing and Trimite was no exception to that. We had to find a way to secure the future of the business, and the very best option was the deal with Weilburger.”