Sentry Doors acquires E. & S. W. Knowles & Company

Sentry Doors (Sentry) has acquired E. & S. W. Knowles & Company (Knowles), in a move that’s designed to accelerate growth and bolster its position as a leader manufacturer of timber fire safety and security doorsets. 

Established in 1923, E. & S. W. Knowles manufactures specialist timber internal doorsets with fire rated, acoustic and PAS 24 security certification, from a 50,000ft² facility in Birmingham.

The company is said to have a commitment to regulatory compliance and high manufacturing standards with independent third party accreditations from both IFC and BM Trada. Knowles employs approximately 100 people and in 2021, achieved revenue of £10m.

The acquisition adds new products that complement Sentry Doors’ range, focused on the specialist fire doorset requirements of the social housing, public sector, commercial and residential markets.

The combination of these two firms is said to provide both companies with opportunities for further innovation and growth with minimal overlap in the industry sectors that they serve and their respective product ranges.

The enlarged business continues to be headquartered in Doncaster. Steve Horner, Knowles’ managing director, will join Sentry’s senior management team, working with Ty Aziz, Sentry’s chief executive.

Ty Aziz said: “I am delighted to welcome Knowles to Sentry Doors – they have a fantastic manufacturing heritage, an exceptional team and a superb product range so we can learn a lot from one another.

“This partnership will help us to respond to the surge in demand for our products, as well as providing our customers with a fully comprehensive range of fire safety and security solutions, and a greater choice of features and finishes. It marks a key milestone in the growth strategy for our businesses and advances our collective ambition to be UK leaders in this sector.”

Martin Wright, majority owner of Knowles, added: “Next year Knowles celebrates its centenary and while I am extremely proud of all that we have achieved in the last 99 years, I know that the company has the capability to achieve much more in the future.

“I believe that this is the natural point for me to pass the company to new, trusted custodians who can deliver on its future potential. Knowles has a perfect partner in Sentry and together, the companies should achieve great things.”