
BGF signs Thames Card Technology deal
The Business Growth Fund (BGF) has committed £3.2m to Essex-based plastic card manufacturer Thames Card Technology (TCT).
The fresh funding will allow the company to buy new manufacturing equipment in order to increase capacity and efficiency. The firm intends to grow its domestic and export sales by leveraging opportunities in the international banking and pre-paid card market.
The investment also allows TCT to boost its team with the appointment of Andy Caffyn, former CEO of Deloro Stellite Group, as non-executive chairman of the board.
The deal is the 14th completed by BGF in the manufacturing segment.
Company
Founded in 1994 by current managing director Paul Underwood, Thames Card Technology (TCT) designs, manufactures, personalises and dispatches plastic cards. Its client base is international and includes blue chip organisations in banking, retail and telecoms. The firm's products include secure cards such as debit, credit and pre-paid cards, as well as non-secure gift and loyalty cards.
In 2013, TCT manufactured more than 175 million cards, generating sales of £18m. Headcount stands at around 200.
People
Investment director Rory Pope joins the board as BGF's representative. BGF's head of manufacturing Mark Bryant will provide operational support to the company. Amit Hindocha and Jessica Zoutsos also worked on the deal for BGF.
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