The bosses of a Bradford pump distribution business have completed a partial management buy-out from their Sweden parent company.

Stockholm-based AxFlow Holding AB has announced the decision to sell 25 per cent of the ownership of Bradford firm Meller FlowTrans to its management team.

The deal has been completed by chairman Mike Clewes and sales director Mike Conway, who said the move demonstrated their commitment to the business.

Meller FlowTrans, which is based at the Euroway Industrial Estate with additional offices in London, supplies products such as pumps, compressors and blowers for use in loading and off-loading oil, food chemicals and other products from tank trucks.

The business employs 22 people and has a turnover of £4 million. It was originally a division of George Meller Ltd, which was acquired by Axel Johnson AB in 1979, a company that now boasts a turnover of 125 million euros and 440 employees. In 2001, the company was split into AxFlow UK Ltd and Meller Flow Trans.

Today Mr Clewes, who recently joined as chairman from Bradford-based Syltone Plc, welcomed the completion of the deal. "Although I have only been with the company for six months, I can see that its approach to the customer gives it a competitive edge in the market place," he said.

"Our customers expect a fast response to all their needs in the supply and use of tank trucks.

"Meller FlowTrans has always tried to meet that need and this latest restructuring, of which this announcement is the final piece, is designed to meet our customers' expectations."

Sales director Mr Conway said he hoped the deal would allow the business to continue its growth.

"In the 28 years that Meller has offered a full service to the tank truck industry, the company has gradually increased market share by offering a quality product line allied with total fitting and sales service," he said.

AxFlow Holding AB chairman Curt Kllstrm said: "I am very pleased the senior management are so committed to the company they are prepared to invest their own money in ensuring it has a profitable and successful future."

The tank trucks serviced by the Bradford firm are used by oil, chemical, food and construction firms. Products vary from gases to liquids and granules.