A Birmingham-based blinds maker is opening up to a new era after changing hands for an undisclosed sum.

Harmany Blinds has been bought by Peerless, a group of engineering companies that include Peerless Gas Controls, Tech Control and Intercontrol.

Peerless had a long tradition of manufacturing in the Midlands that can be traced back to the 1890s until recently moving to larger premises in Flintshire.

Manufacturing of blinds will continue in Birmingham, said group managing director Steve Crutchley. He said the central location would complement the current Flintshire and Whitchurch operations.

In total 30 will now be employed across the group, 10 at Harmany.

Peerless claims to be the last remaining gas valve producer in Britain.

Asked what an engineering group wanted with a blind manufacturer, Mr Crutchley said: "The gas market is busy in October and November and February and March. The blinds business is busy June, July, August and September, with a splash in December.

"It is almost the opposite trend so will balance out the sales line over the year. Although the products are different both companies manufacture, and the remote control blinds do require engineering expertise. Peerless can also manufacture some small parts for Harmany."

Group turnover is anticipated to be £4.5 million over the next twelve months.

Geoff and Jacque Harman started Harmany 30 years ago in Birmingham. Both are staying with it, the former in a management/sales role and the latter in the production department.

Joe Moohan, general manager of Harmany, said it was exciting times for the firm with the backing of the new group and the introduction of several new blinds that can be fitted without the need for screws, holes or tools.

Harmany Blinds was launched in 1985 and started to specialise in conservatory blinds at a time when, it is claimed, no other blind manufacturer was doing so.

Over the ensuing years it extended its range to supply vertical, roller, pleated, Roman roof and Venetian blinds for both the commercial and domestic market. Well over 70 per cent of production is still for conservatory blinds.