Answer extracted from the Glazing Insider podcast — listen to the full episode below.
What prompted the acquisition of Jade Engineering and how quickly did the deal move?
When J Tools and Jade began competing for the same customers, Jade's owners were already looking to exit. Adam Jones reached out to one of Jade's founders, Dave Thomas, through a mutual rugby connection, and within 24 hours, acquisition discussions began—the entire process moved remarkably fast.
Market conditions set the stage for this move. J Tools and Jade Engineering were the two primary suppliers of jigs and fixtures in the fenestration industry, with Jade holding the larger market share. As Adam and his co-owner Sean grew J Tools' customer base by winning over some of Jade's clients, the competitive pressure became impossible to ignore. Rather than continuing as rivals, both parties recognized an opportunity to consolidate.
The personal relationship accelerated everything. Adam had crossed paths with Dave Thomas at Neaton Rugby Club, and this existing connection proved invaluable. When the conversation about acquisition came up, Adam explains in the episode that he reached out within 24 hours. Jade's owners had already been considering an exit, so the timing aligned perfectly. What might have taken months in a cold negotiation happened at remarkable speed, driven by mutual respect and a shared understanding of market dynamics.
"We feel like we want to add value and then off the back of the value that we add comes a sale for us but our customers also getting what they need at the end of it."
Adam Jones — Managing Director and Sales Director at Jade Engineering. Adam started his fenestration career in 2002 as a mechanical electrical design engineer at J Tools Limited, a toolmaker supplying cutters, fixtures, and jigs to the window industry. He transitioned from a Ministry of Defense automotive background and progressed through various roles within J Tools, eventually becoming co-owner with Sean. After the acquisition of Jade, he took on his current leadership role, blending the capabilities of both businesses.
Beyond the speed of the deal, the episode reveals how the merged entity navigated integrating two long-established competitors and the strategic choices that followed in the post-acquisition phase.
See also
How did a mechanical engineer transition from Ministry of Defense automotive work into the fenestration industry?
Adam Jones took a position as mechanical electrical design engineer at J Tools Limited in 2002. He initially tried to leave during his first six months but eventually became deeply engaged with the industry and progressed through various roles within the company.
What local charitable partnerships exemplify a manufacturer's community engagement philosophy?
Warwick has sponsored Y Kids, a Bootle-based charity, for two to three years; the area ranks in the worst 6 percent of the UK for child literacy. Y Kids focuses on supporting children in underprivileged areas through educational and developmental programs.
How did podcast vulnerability about personal challenges affect industry relationships and health awareness?
After discussing his father's cancer diagnosis and emotional challenges on a previous podcast, Greg received numerous messages from industry peers, MDs, and others who shared their own health experiences and appreciated the candor.
Key takeaways
- J Tools and Jade were the two dominant suppliers of jigs and fixtures in fenestration, with Jade holding majority market share before consolidation.
- A personal rugby connection between Adam Jones and Dave Thomas (Jade's founder) enabled immediate, trust-based negotiation when market conditions aligned.
- The entire acquisition process moved from initial contact to closing in record time, driven by aligned incentives and existing relationship capital.
- Competitive pressure from J Tools winning Jade's customers created urgency, coinciding with Jade's owners' desire to exit the business.