Kitchen, bedroom and bathroom furniture manufacturer J&J Ormerod plc (JJO) has announced that 4D Capital Partners LLP (4D) has invested in a majority shareholding in the business.
4D is a private equity firm with deep manufacturing sector knowledge that invests in UK-headquartered businesses capable of achieving significant scale.
4D’s decision to become the majority shareholder of JJO was motivated by the company’s strong reputation, high quality products, loyal and experienced staff, and excellent customer base. There will be a seamless transition to the new owners for all stakeholders.
Under the new ownership JJO remains focused on ensuring that its top-quality products and services are delivered to customers without interruption and to the usual high standards. In the long term, the business strategy continues to be centred on growth and improving the operational side of the business.
Matthew Scoffield and Anthony Robinson will join the JJO team in the roles of Executive Chairman and Chief Financial Officer. Both are highly experienced in operational improvement and business expansion in the manufacturing sector and will work closely with the senior management team during the transition.
Managing director of JJO, Stephen Greenhalgh will stay with the business in the short-term to assist with the smooth transition and remain a director and significant shareholder in JJO for the long-term. No changes are planned in the rest of the senior leadership team as a result of the investment.
Managing director of JJO, Stephen Greenhalgh said: “We are very excited about 4D’s investment in JJO. It gives security to all our stakeholders as the business moves into the next phase of its life. 4D’s investment, hands-on experience and manufacturing knowledge will help the business in its long-standing strategy of growth and operational performance improvement, as evidenced by the many innovations and operational developments JJO has implemented over its 157-year history.”
The Lancashire-based business is well-known for continually investing in plant, machinery and infrastructure to keep the business at the forefront of UK manufacturing whilst also implementing many responsible manufacturing improvements as part of its policy of waste minimalisation and energy efficiency. In 2024, JJO took this commitment a step further by developing an industry-leading carbon calculator with The Carbon Trust that provides cradle-to-grave carbon data for all JJO kitchen products. The calculator allows their kitchen retail and trade partners to offer homeowners greater transparency and control over the carbon footprint of their kitchen projects.
JJO employs nearly 300 team members at its 1.2 million sqft base in Bacup. More than half of its staff have been with the company for 10 years or longer. The business takes great pride in its committed and experienced team and couples this with a select network of like-minded and passionate independent retailers across the UK who excel within their areas of expertise.
