Cerambond, previously a division of Rediweld Rubber and Plastics Ltd, is based in Portsmouth, close to one of Halyard's four manufacturing sites.

The deal takes the Halyard Group's turnover to more than £4m pa, with a workforce of 80.

According to Halyard, all Cerambond employees will continue with the firm, including divisional manager George Bruce, who brings over 35 years of hose building experience with him.

"Cerambond is the final link in the vertical integration planned by Halyard three years ago, " said Halyard Group managing director, James Grazebrook. "We now manufacture every single component in the exhaust systems we supply."

The move will enable Halyard to offer a total bespoke service for marine engines up to 2,000hp worldwide, said Grazebrook, while continuing to hold the largest stock of marine exhaust system components anywhere in Europe.

"In addition, " he added, "Cerambond brings useful sales into new sectors including aviation, motor vehicles and ocean safety equipment."