Busch Vacuum Solutions Acquires Vacuum Furnace Engineering (VFE)

Since 1985, VFE has provided vacuum services, specialist equipment, control and calibration solutions to heat treatment and advanced material manufacturers in the UK.  Their long-term commitment to these market segments, their applications knowledge and service mindset has enabled VFE to become the market-leaders in their field.

Busch (UK) has 50 years of experience in providing individual and tailor-made vacuum solutions and services to Customers in a wide range of market segments, including food, chemical, pharmaceutical, oil and gas, semicon, medical and metallurgy.  The full portfolio of vacuum technology is continuously developed by the Busch group to ensure we offer customers the lowest total cost of ownership.

Operationally, our VFE subsidiary will remain focused on the markets and customers that benefit from the team’s expertise in vacuum metallurgy and composites.  The existing Busch UK business will continue to serve customers under the Busch brand.  Together, Busch and VFE will share their vacuum expertise, solutions, and service capabilities, to enable an even more comprehensive range of vacuum solutions to the benefit of all our customers. 

“The advanced manufacturing industry needs to ensure quality in every process”  David Byrne, CEO of VFE, explains. “For much of the industry, that’s synonymous with the product.  But our commitment to helping our customers achieve perfect production and keep their businesses running hinges on more than the quality of parts produced.  In order for us to deliver these promises, the integrity of our services is paramount.  Under Busch’s ownership, we look forward to serving our customers with extended product offerings, best practices and Busch’s global service network.  This will maximise the value that we offer and will help more Customers improve their operations.”

Tim Hulbert, Managing Director of Busch (UK), concluded, “This is an exciting time for the new Busch UK team.  2021 is our 50th anniversary in the UK and the acquisition of VFE marks a significant commitment by the Busch group to the UK market, ensuring we are well positioned for further long-term service and growth.  I’m delighted to welcome our new VFE colleagues and look forward to delivering the combined benefits of our vacuum solutions for metallurgy and advanced materials to the UK market and further afield.  VFE’s portfolio of services, including calibration and control expertise, will also benefit our customers in other critical market sectors.  We are stronger together and uniquely positioned to help UK manufacturers become more productive and sustainable through the application of our Busch vacuum solutions.”

Busch (UK) Ltd

Busch (UK) Ltd was established in 1971 as the first overseas subsidiary within the global Busch Group.  Busch (UK) Ltd is headquartered in Telford, and offers vacuum service and solutions across the country through its expert field service team and service centres in Telford and East Kilbride.  With the acquisition of VFE, our joint capabilities now include an extended field service team, specialist workshops, a training centre and a UKAS accredited laboratory, with key locations in Halesowen and Poole.  The VFE team will remain focused on serving the needs of our customers in the heat treatment and advanced material sectors.  The VFE business operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of Busch UK, under the VFE brand.