A MALTON based manufacturer of telecommunications cabinets has been acquired by an American company as it looks to expand its operations in Europe.

Alifabs Cabinets & Ancillaries, based in York Road Industrial Estate, is one of two businesses within the Alifabs Group to have been taken over by CommScope Holding Company.

CommScope will take over the management team and all 45 staff at the Malton site, which designs, manufactures and supplies enclosures for the UK telecommunications, utility and energy markets.

Also included in the acquisition is Guilford-based Alifabs Design & Construction.

CommScope, which provides infrastructure for wireless, business enterprise and residential broadband networks, says the deal will help it expand its services in the European market.

Morgan Kurk, senior vice president and wireless segment leader at CommScope, said: "Cell sites throughout Europe vary with each operator’s needs and each local jurisdiction’s limitations and requirements.

"Alifabs has an outstanding track record in providing quick, dependable, customized solutions to those responsible for implementing operator networks.

"Alifabs will complement our efforts. Together, we strive to solve the problems of multi-frequency, multi-technology networks quickly with minimal aesthetic impact."

Alifabs managing director Richard Smith said the transaction will help Alifabs expand quickly beyond the UK through CommScope’s extensive presence in Europe and beyond.

He said: "I am proud of our hard earned reputation for excellence and results that the team has achieved over the years.

"Customers depend on us for innovative solutions such as thermal management, outdoor cabinets, monopoles and turnkey services to help them in planning and deploying network sites. We look forward to expanding on these capabilities and customer relationships as part of the CommScope team."