A GLAZING company has bought a glass maker to strengthen its market position.

Clayton Glass has taken on Romag.

Bosses say the two firms will continue as separate entities and retain their existing management teams.

Clayton Glass, based near Stanley, County Durham, makes insulated glass units and glass for conservatories.

Romag, in Leadgate, near Consett, also County Durham, makes toughened and bullet-proof glass and assembles solar panels.

It previously secured a deal to supply windows to Newton Aycliffe trainbuilder Hitachi Rail Europe and sent safety glass to London Zoo’s lion enclosure.

Clayton bought Romag from Wearside housing developer Gentoo for an undisclosed sum.

Ryan Green, Clayton managing director, said the tie-up will see both companies continue their focus on different areas of the market, thus increasing scope for greater work and reducing worries over any trade conflict.

He said: “We are looking forward to helping both businesses flourish in the years ahead.

“They specialise in very different areas of the glass industry and we will continue to operate each one independently so they can focus on growing their market share.

“However, the new arrangement also means where there are opportunities to work more closely on future projects, we will do so.”

Romag was saved from administration by Gentoo in 2011.

The company’s shares were briefly suspended from trading on the Stock Exchange after it emerged its ex-chairman had made a £3.97m payment to one of the firm’s divisions without informing the board.