A Black Country supplier of key control systems has expanded its range of products after buying an Essex rival.

Keytracker, which is based in Halesowen, has paid an undisclosed sum for the Triton Automotive Company.

Keytracker, which assembles key tracking systems for offices, plant hire and other uses, is planning to use the acquisition as a springboard into the automotive sector.

The work of Triton Automotive Company, will be transferred from Canvey Island to Halesowen.

Triton first introduced the Numberblocks system about ten years ago, which entails magnetic triangular blocks being stuck onto cars so their keys can be easily identified and matched to the vehicles.

Helen Bell, sales manager of Keytracker, said: "These blocks make it easier for engineers to match the keys they have to the cars they want to go to.

"It makes life easier and reduces the likelihood of walking 150 yards only to find they have the wrong key. We believe there is potentially a sizeable market for the product, which encompasses car showrooms, garages, tyre and exhaust centres, service departments and car or fleet parks."

Ms Bell said the acquisition was a natural progression for Keytracker, which currently employs eight people at its base.

Keytracker's managing director, Andy Smith, said: "The system comprises of brightly coloured, numbered blocks which can be attached to a vehicle by the integral, unique, non-scratch magnetic base."

A pre-numbered control board enables staff to keep track of vehicles and blocks in conjunction with a keytag board so that ignition keys can be stored securely against the corresponding number and colour.

Mr Smith said: "It's easy to use, easy to store and incredibly robust."