Clayton Equipment has been saved from administration with a buyer found in the form of Clarke Chapman Ltd.

In December, Clayton Equipment, known for its zero-emission locomotives and its battery locomotive found on the Bure Valley Railway, announced that it had appointed administrators and that all of its employees had been made redundant.

Fast forward to the 8th January 2026, and a deal has been struck that sees Clarke Chapman, which is a division of global engineering company, Langley Holdings PLC, acquire Clayton’s assets.

Clarke Chapman says that they are reopening the factory soon and will be looking to recruit staff.

“We are very happy to have rescued this historic UK engineering firm from administration and strengthen UK plc in the process. There was competition for the company, and so we’re pleased to have completed this deal. The company has a legacy of creating internationally renowned machinery and in the process showcasing UK engineering talent on the world stage making it a very attractive acquisition.

“It is now time to take the firm forward using the full backing and talented minds of our group. We’re looking forward to reopening the factory soon and plan to recruit. Clayton has been in existence for almost a century and under our guidance we’re sure that its name can continue for many more years yet.”

Stephen Plant, managing director at Clarke Chapman Ltd