Tue, 13 Jan 2026 | BUSINESS SALE
The assets of a Midlands-based locomotive manufacturer have been acquired out of administration in a deal that secures the future of a nearly 100-year-old brand. Clayton Equipment Limited, which was founded in 1931, was known for manufacturing zero-emission locomotives and mining equipment.
The Burton-on-Trent-based business fell into administration in December 2025, with Gareth Prince and Mark Malone from Begbies Traynor appointed as joint administrators. All 34 of the company’s employees had already been made redundant prior to the appointment of the joint administrators.
The joint administrators have now secured a sale of the company’s assets to Clarke Chapman Ltd, a subsidiary of UK-headquartered global engineering firm Langley Holdings Plc. The assets have been acquired under a new company called Clayton Locomotives Limited.
Stephen Plant, Managing Director at Clarke Chapman Ltd, revealed that the firm had faced competition during the acquisition process, saying that Clayton Equipment “has a legacy of creating internationally renowned machinery and [...] showcasing UK engineering talent on the world stage making it a very attractive acquisition.”
He continued: "It is now time to take the firm forward using the full backing and talented minds of our group. We're looking forward to reopening the factory soon and plan to recruit. Clayton has been in existence for almost a century and under our guidance we’re sure that its name can continue for many more years yet."
Begbies Traynor partner and joint administrator Gareth Prince said that it had been vital for the administrators to move quickly to secure a buyer for Clayton Equipment, ultimately concluding a sale to a “successful group” in Clarke Chapman.
Prince continued: "With the leadership and support of Langley we are sure that it can drive forwards and thrive to give a boost to the local economy. There is also the opportunity to bring back highly-skilled roles to the area after the factory closed at the end of November.”
"To meet our duties we had to secure the best deal for creditors and so with several, serious, interested parties, completion took a little longer than expected.”
"However, now that the deal has been finalised we are confident that its new leadership can help Clayton open a new chapter in its history and grow once more on the international stage."
In accounts for the year to August 31 2024, Clayton Equipment Limited’s fixed assets were valued at around £269,000 and current assets at £5.4 million, while net assets amounted to £2.6 million.
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