Canford has acquired Enclosure Systems, and will assume responsibilit for the manufacture and distribution of its range of high-quality racks and accessories from this point forwards.

Based in the UK, Enclosure Systems (ES) is a leading player in the audiovisual, IT and data networking sector. Through being one of Canford’s principal suppliers for the past ten years, the brand has also established a strong position within sections of the broadcast systems integration and audio and video installations markets.

‘We have identified there is significant potential for the ES brand around the globe,’ Canford Chief Executive Leif Friestad explains. ‘Our experience in shipping to more than 120 countries, and our worldwide network of dealers and distributors, makes me very confident for the future of Enclosure Systems.’

Canford will retain and develop the core ranges and will maintain continuity with existing ES customers and markets, while expanding the brand’s reach into the broadcast and installer sectors.As part of the integration of the two companies, ES Sales Manager Chas Luchford joins Canford and will retain the ES portfolio to ensure continuity of supply and both commercial and customer relationships.

A stock buffer has been built to cover the transition period as the production and warehousing operation is moved from Kent to Canford’s head office in Washington, UK.

‘Having made many acquisitions over our 36-year history, including relocating an entire warehousing operation from London to Washington over a single weekend, we are well practiced at the logistics planning for this type of activity,’ says Canford founder and Director, Iain Elliott. ‘Continuity is key, and the product range and pricing is unchanged. Chas Luchford brings with him all the experiences, personal contacts and relationships, so apart from the heading on the invoice, nothing (not even part numbers) changes.’

‘The ES brand is a perfect fit for Canford,’ Friestad adds. ‘We are known among our peers for not only distributing products of high quality, but for designing and manufacturing ranges to the same high standards.

‘We had been looking to enhance our 19-inch rack product offering for some time, and when the ES product range became available it was the obvious solution for everyone including both our existing and Enclosure Systems’ own customers – who will continue to benefit from high service levels on high quality products. It is an obvious complement to the range of rackmount products that we manufacture at our Dorset operation – just a little larger.’

The ES range includes the extensive 262 series of full size 19-inch rack cabinets and more specialist products such as the 501 Credenza ‘open rack’ series. Canford will continue to offer the wide range of ES wall-mounted rack cabinets including the 401, 404 and 408 series. The floorstanding cabinets are available in multiple widths and depths with heights of up to 47U-high. Many racks are offered either fully constructed or as a flat pack which can be assembled in situ by the customer. An extensive range of accessories including plinths, feet, trays, power distribution fans etc is available for the range. And most products are available in both grey and black finishes – to suit the strong colour preferences of Canford and ES customers.

Racks and racking accessories are a central part of the Canford portfolio. This acquisition is designed to strengthen the company’s position and bring additional benefits to the EB brand – particularly the ever more closely associated IT and network infrastructure sectors.

The acquisition of the Enclosure Systems brand is part of Canford’s expansion strategy, announced 12 months ago.

More: www.canford.co.uk
More: www.enclosuresystems.com