FE Mottram Acquires Metals & Alloys International, Expanding Ferro-Titanium Market Share

Metraco

UK-Based Producer Expands Operations in Sheffield, Despite Market Challenges

UK-based ferro-titanium producer FE Mottram, a subsidiary of Belgian trading company Metraco, has successfully acquired Sheffield-based Metals & Alloys International (MAI). This acquisition boosts FE Mottram's position in the ferro-titanium market, aligning with its strategy to expand its market share in this niche industry.

MAI Continues Operations as a Subsidiary

Following the acquisition, MAI will continue to operate as a subsidiary of Mottram, maintaining its relationships with customers in the steel and cored-wire industries, as well as its raw material suppliers. Both companies will continue processing scrap and producing ferro-titanium at Tivac's two locations in Sheffield, ensuring a seamless transition.

Olivier Esquenet, director of Mottram, now holds the controlling interest and directorship of MAI. Graham Mee, MAI’s former co-owner and co-director, will remain on board as a director, along with Metraco's chief financial officer, Erwin Debaere. This leadership continuity is expected to help maintain stability during the integration process.

Combined Production Capacity and Market Challenges

The combined capacity of FE Mottram and MAI stands at 1,200 tonnes per month, but current capacity utilization is slightly over half due to market competition. The emergence of rebranded Russian ferro-titanium and weak demand from steel mills have contributed to these challenges. Despite this, the acquisition strengthens Mottram’s foothold in the ferro-titanium sector.

Mottram’s parent company, Metraco, also operates a ferro-titanium production facility in Ahtme, Estonia, known as Ti Q. However, Mottram did not acquire MAI's separate crushing facility, Alloy Masters, located in Telford. This facility remains under the ownership of Graham Mee and investor Richard Dajczak.

It is important to note that Metals and Alloys UK, a different company focused on scrap recycling, is not affected by this acquisition.