The north-west UK arm of Black Box Network Services is striking out for independence, following the reseller’s decision to concentrate UK operations in Reading and Nottingham.

Management of Optech Fibres Ltd (http://www.optechfibres.co.uk/company%20Info.htm), its original name before it was bought by BlackBox in 2001, has bought the Barrow-in-Furness business for an undisclosed sum. They were backed with loans and grants by Furnesss Enterprises.

Optech employs 20 people and installs voice and data cabling. It will acts as Black Box’s preferred supplier for the UK. First year turnover is projected at £900K+.

Related stories

• Black Box buys Northants dealer (26 September 2001)

  http://www.theregister.co.uk/2001/09/26/black_box_buys_northants_dealer/

• Black Box buys UK cable firm (28 August 2001)

  http://www.theregister.co.uk/2001/08/28/black_box_buys_uk_cable/

• Black Box buys London reseller (4 June 2001)

  http://www.theregister.co.uk/2001/06/04/black_box_buys_london_reseller/