YORK Linings International, a refractory engineering business based in Wheldrake, has been bought by Cape plc from its owners for £4 million.

York Linings, a £15 million-turnover business, which employs 90 people, designs and installs refractory linings to furnaces and heating plant in all major industries throughout the world, from its headquarters in York and operating subsidiaries and partnerships in the United States, Singapore and Bahrain.

Cape, which provides non-mechanical industrial services, such as access systems, insulation, painting, coatings, blasting, industrial cleaning, training and assessment, to the energy and mineral resource sectors, said the acquisition would expand its services, and strengthening Cape's position within the supply chain, reducing supplier interface and administration costs.

Martin May, chief executive of Cape said: “The acquisition of York Linings is consistent with our strategy of increasing Cape’s service offering with selective bolt on acquisitions. York Linings has an unparalleled delivery reputation in the market and we are delighted to welcome the York Linings team into the Cape group.”