AFC Industries has acquired Birmingham, UK-based distributor Forward Industrial Products (Forward Industrial Products Group) through its TFC Business Unit. Terms of the deal, AFC’s fourth acquisition of 2024, were not disclosed.

Founded in 1997, Forward Industrial Products supplies C class components, VMI services and MRO services. Led by managing director Martyn Cleaver, Forward Industrial will continue to be run by its current management team and operate out of the premises in Birmingham. Web: forwardindustrial.co.uk

Forward Industrial becomes part of AFC Industries’ TFC business unit that has supplied engineering products and C class parts across Europe for over 60 years. TFC is led by president Morgan Burgoyne. Web: tfc.eu.com

“It was a strategic goal of ours to expand our operations and capabilities in the U.K. and Europe in a way that would complement our TFC team,” stated AFC CEO Kevin Godin. “Forward is a great fit for us both culturally and geographically. Their dedication to service and solving problems for customers make them a natural integration for us.”

West Chester, OH-based AFC has pursued an aggressive merger and acquisition strategy in recent years. After acquiring seven companies in 2023, the Forward Industrial deal marks its fourth this year after adding Circle Bolt & Nut in June, Southern California-based Meg Technologies in May and Philadelphia-based Globe International in March.

AFC provides supply chain management solutions for fasteners, tooling and assembly components to OEMs. AFC services include VMI, stock and release programs, light assembly, kitting and private labeling. Web: afcind.com