CARLISLE-based group Carr’s has sold its engineering business to American industrial business Cadre Holdings for £75m. The deal, on a cash free, debt free basis, will see Cadre, a global leader in the manufacturing and distribution of safety products, run the UK and German businesses alongside its interests in safety and survivability products, including body armour, explosive ordnance disposal equipment, duty gear and nuclear safety products through both direct and indirect channels. The UK businesses employ 285 people and includes: NW Total in Barrow in Furness manufactures bespoke process equipment packages for the nuclear and defence sectors​; Bendalls Engineering in Carlisle which makes protection products for nuclear, oil & gas and energy companies; and CarrsMSM in Swindon which handling equipment to the nuclear Industry, including the High-Level Waste Plant at Sellafield.​ The Engineering Division contributed revenue of approximately £51.1m and made adjusted operating profits of approximately £7.8m last year. The gross assets of the Engineering Division as at August 31 2024 totalled approximately £77.6m. Tim Jones, Non-Executive Chairman of Carr’s, commented: “This is a transformative moment for Carr’s and one which we expect to deliver real value to all shareholders. The Agriculture business is particularly well-positioned for growth, with strong product offerings, strategic market presence and a clear focus on delivering ongoing shareholder value.” David White, Chief Executive Officer of Carr’s, commented: “I am delighted that we have been able to execute this critical step in our strategy, one which leaves us able to focus on the global opportunities for our Agriculture business. Our specialist product portfolio provides a strong base for profitable growth in both existing and new markets. The hard work of all colleagues across the Engineering Division has been key to the success of the Group in recent years and I wish them the very best for the future.” The Company intends to return up to approximately £70m of the net proceeds to shareholders by way of a tender offer (the "Capital Return"), with any remaining proceeds expected to be used for general corporate purposes.