Gloucester fire tech innovator AIS has revealed the details this morning of a successful management buyout of its investment partner, Growth Capital Partners (GCP).

The move from AIS, formerly known as Advanced Innergy Solutions, which is based in Quedgeley West Business Park, marks the end of a busy week and will enable GCP to "exit the business", said a spokesman.

AIS is a global leader in the engineering and manufacture of a range of innovative protection products for the energy industry. With its global HQ in Quedgeley, the firm now has a workforce of more than 650 and offices in 12 locations dotted around the world, including Angola, Dubai, Brazil, Kazakhstan, the USA and Malaysia

A spokesman told Punchline-Gloucester.com: "The MBO heralds a new era for AIS as it looks to accelerate its growth through product range expansion and acquisition.

CEO, Andrew Bennion said: "AIS is deeply grateful for the support provided by GCP over the past years. Their investment has been instrumental in achieving significant milestones, notably the landmark acquisition of CRP Subsea in 2022 which has strengthened our position in subsea markets."

He added: "As we embark on this new chapter, we are committed to leveraging opportunities for sustainable growth, enhancing our operations, and delivering even greater value to our stakeholders."

Managing Partner GCP, James Blake, said: "We have been a long-term supporter of AIS and built a close working relationship with Andrew and the team over the years. They deserve great credit for delivering a fantastic energy transition success story through a combination of acquisition and technical excellence, developing new products for renewable offshore wind and electric vehicles.

"We are grateful to have been part of that evolution and wish everyone at the business all the best as they launch into the next phase of growth."

GCP originally invested in AIS in March 2014, supporting two acquisitions and the diversification strategy to drive growth throughout their investment period.

AIS thanked its "dedicated employees, loyal customers, and partners for their continued support" and said it looked forward to a future of "innovation, growth, and shared success".

On Wednesday this week, AIS also announced the acquisition of Glossop-based GAP Plastics, a UK-based specialist set up in 2005 to specialise in custom plastic injection moulding.

AIS said: "GAP Plastics has built a strong reputation for its expertise. The company serves a diverse range of industries including energy, cosmetics, glazing, and textiles, and is known for its dedication to producing high-precision plastic components.

Mr Bennion said of the deal: "The acquisition of GAP Plastics marks a significant milestone for AIS as we continue to broaden our capabilities and market reach. Their expertise in injection moulding will enable us to offer a more comprehensive suite of services to our customers, ensuring we meet the growing demand for our solutions."

● The company came under planning scrutiny from Stroud District Council in March when a retrospective bid was made for a fire testing facility on remote farmland at Tresham, near Wotton-under-Edge. Last month, planners subsequently ruled that the site was against its guidelines and would need to cease its operation.