A NORWEGIAN company has acquired Ulverston-based MARL International which designs and manufactures electronic systems for contractors such as the Royal Navy. 

Glamox, headquartered in Oslo, announced that it had bought MARL International on August 13.

MARL International has over 50 years of experience and specialises in LED technology.

Glamox aims to tap into the 'growing' defence and navy markets by acquiring the Cumbrian firm, which has 62 employees - all based in the UK. 

Close to 60 per cent of MARL's £6million revenue in the 2023/24 financial year came from navy projects. 

Glamox Chief executive officer Astrid Simonsen Joos said: "With MARL’s capabilities, dedicated employees and growth within the navy segment, this strategic acquisition aligns with our ambitions. Together as one, we will be better equipped to serve our customers with cutting-edge solutions within the navy segment.

“The growing market for sustainable lighting solutions within the Navy and marine segments is continuing to be a profitable opportunity for Glamox, and with MARL onboard as a part of the team, we are positioned well for growth."

MARL's managing director Adrian Rawlinson called Glamox 'forward-thinking' with a commitment to 'excellence.' He said: "We are thrilled to see our company join forces with a solid international lighting company with a focus on innovation, engineering, and quality."

The acquisition provides MARL International employees, customers and partners with a 'bright future,' Mr Rawlinson said. 

MARL International will be a part of the Glamox Marine, Offshore and Wind division, headed by Tommy Stranden. 

In 2022, the company provided LED lights to the Bakerloo line under Transport for London. At the time, the line's lighting was scheduled to be upgraded to their design by this year.

The LED lighting system designed by MARL International was rolled out to the Bakerloo line's fleet of 36 trains and 252 carriages, replacing the previous fluorescent tubes.