A REDDITCH engineering business has been saved from administration securing the future of 70 jobs.

Redhall Jex Limited, which has one of its two headquarters in Redditch, has been bought by Glasgow firm Edwin James Group.

Rednall Group Plc and its two subsidiaries including Redhall Jex Limited (Jex Engineering) had been placed in administration last week,

According to its website the company, which makes equipment for the food industry, was formed in 1973 by Tony Jex, later becoming part of Redhall Group Specialist services.

As well as offices and workshops in Manchester and Grimsby, RedhallJex South has a main base of workshops and offices on the Lakeside Industrial Estate, in Redditch. It has worked with some of Britain's biggest food manufacturers including Nestle, Morrisons, Greggs, Walkers and Kellogg's.

The sale will ensure all 70 jobs will be retained and customer contracts and projects will continue to be serviced as normal. As part of the acquisition, it will trade as Jex Process Services and will sit as part of the Process Services area of Edwin James Group.

In a statement yesterday, it was announced that the senior management team at Jex Engineering will remain at the forefront of the business and will work closely with the Edwin James leadership team to ensure its smooth and efficient integration into the group.

Derek Smith, CEO of Edwin James Group, said: “Jex Engineering is a strong addition to our portfolio and is aligned with our investment strategy to bring together solid regional businesses to create a leading national operator, well positioned for long-term growth.

“Jex Engineering has established, direct client relationships and its offering complements the existing parts of our group, adding valuable expertise and resource. We are looking forward to working with the team.”

Mark Davies, for Jex Engineering, said: “Edwin James Group has a deep understanding of our business and is ideally placed to support our growth. This is a positive milestone for our business and marks a new chapter of stability and growth. We are keen to reassure our customers and suppliers that although there is a change in ownership, we will continue to operate as normal.”

The sale was arranged by administrators Grant Thornton UK LLP.