General Panel Systems is joining the Ross-Shire Engineering group of companies.

RSE is a specialist manufacturer of modular process packages for municipal and industrial water treatment plants; and owner of a group of complementary businesses employing 1300 people, including control systems, M&E, pumps and chemical dosing.

RSE has taken a majority shareholding in GPS and GPS Links Ltd, hardware manufacturer and software-systems integrator respectively, as part of its plan to establish a UK wide presence through investment in successful process engineering businesses. GPS has a 45-year track record and is a leader in DfMA ‘design for manufacturing and assembly’ packaged LV plant rooms.

Under the agreement, an autonomous management model will provide continuity for customers and employees, as well as an expanded product offer and group resource.

Managing Director Nigel Harrison said “this deal provides an excellent future for GPS. RSE’s parent company Envoy Partners has operated a very successful ‘buy and build strategy’ for acquiring and developing well-matched companies, that will see GPS expand and recruit more local people in skilled jobs as we develop our offering to the market”.

GPS currently employs 50 people in St Philips Bristol, and is an established contractor for motor control and power distribution in the regulated water, oil and gas and renewable energy sectors, serving a number of public utilities across the south of England and Wales.