A New Era for Floyd!
After 35 years as owners Floyd Automatic Tooling Ltd, Richard and Chantal Floyd have decided to retire from the business and following a period of negotiating we are pleased to announce that leading UK cutting tool distributor Helix Tool Company Ltd acquired Floyd Automatic Tooling on 6th January 2025. With branches in Leeds, Sheffield and Durham, Helix Tool has an ambitious growth strategy that includes consolidating the industrial tooling distribution market.
With a reputation built upon 30 years of delivering exceptional product lines and performance-based industrial solutions, the acquisition of Floyd Automatic will enable Helix Tool to penetrate a new target audience.
Discussing the purchase of Floyd Automatic, Matt Cattell, CEO of Helix Tools holding company, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Floyd Automatic into the Helix family. Today’s announcement signifies a strong start to 2025 for Helix, and we are confident that customers will see significant benefits in terms of product offering and exceptional technical expertise.”
Discussing the transition, Mr Richard Floyd said: “I started Floyd Automatic Tooling in 1990 with the support of my father, Bill Floyd. Over the last 35 years, we have built a fantastic business and an incredibly talented team that I am extremely proud of. Our aim was to introduce tooling innovations to users of Swiss Type sliding head cam operated lathes and the up-and-coming CNC technology of the day. Over the decades, our offerings have expanded exponentially in line with both the technology and the requirements of the marketplace. We have built partnerships with suppliers and clients that have spanned decades; many business relationships are now close friendships. The staff and management team at Floyd Automatic will undoubtedly take the Floyd brand, relationships, service and product portfolio forward with new vigour – and I wish the new owners every success in the future.”
After 35 years as owners Floyd Automatic Tooling Ltd, Richard and Chantal Floyd have decided to retire from the business and following a period of negotiating we are pleased to announce that leading UK cutting tool distributor Helix Tool Company Ltd acquired Floyd Automatic Tooling on 6th January 2025. With branches in Leeds, Sheffield and Durham, Helix Tool has an ambitious growth strategy that includes consolidating the industrial tooling distribution market.
With a reputation built upon 30 years of delivering exceptional product lines and performance-based industrial solutions, the acquisition of Floyd Automatic will enable Helix Tool to penetrate a new target audience.
Discussing the purchase of Floyd Automatic, Matt Cattell, CEO of Helix Tools holding company, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Floyd Automatic into the Helix family. Today’s announcement signifies a strong start to 2025 for Helix, and we are confident that customers will see significant benefits in terms of product offering and exceptional technical expertise.”
Discussing the transition, Mr Richard Floyd said: “I started Floyd Automatic Tooling in 1990 with the support of my father, Bill Floyd. Over the last 35 years, we have built a fantastic business and an incredibly talented team that I am extremely proud of. Our aim was to introduce tooling innovations to users of Swiss Type sliding head cam operated lathes and the up-and-coming CNC technology of the day. Over the decades, our offerings have expanded exponentially in line with both the technology and the requirements of the marketplace. We have built partnerships with suppliers and clients that have spanned decades; many business relationships are now close friendships. The staff and management team at Floyd Automatic will undoubtedly take the Floyd brand, relationships, service and product portfolio forward with new vigour – and I wish the new owners every success in the future.”
Adding his sentiment, Helix Tool Managing Director Mr Paul Lynch says: “As part of our strategy to consolidate the industrial tooling supply network in the UK, Floyd Automatic is a fantastic acquisition for our business. Floyd Automatic has always had a reputation for delivering high-end niche solutions with expertise that reaches far beyond that of its rivals. This acquisition will allow Helix customers to have streamlined access to Floyd Automatic's products, solutions, and technical expertise. We want to extend our gratitude to Richard Floyd for building a robust, unique and successful business, and we are relishing the opportunity to take the company forward with the talented staff that will now be part of the Helix family.”
