Leeds-based surface specialist CDUK has a new owner after managing director Andy Noble acquired the business from outgoing chairman Gary Baker.
Founded nearly 45 years ago by Gary’s father, Geoff Baker, and his business partner Toni Hibbert, CDUK became renowned for being the exclusive UK and Ireland distributor of Corian solid surfaces, which is manufactured by DuPont. It has become one of the world’s largest purchases of Corian and a key player in the UK and Ireland solid surface market.
Andy Noble, pictured left, joined CDUK as national sales manager in 2013 and became managing director in 2020. “I’m incredibly proud and lucky to have been given the unique opportunity to continue the market-leading work established by Gary and his father Mr Baker over the last 44 years. Taking ownership of the company is a great opportunity and I’m very much looking forward to connecting with new communities and markets with a wider portfolio of surface solutions in the future,” said Noble. “I’ve been extremely privileged to have spent many years working with Gary and Mr Baker. I thank them for everything that they have taught me and the opportunities they have given me. As we look to the future, we won’t forget our history. I’m certainly very optimistic about the opportunities that lie ahead.”
Gary Baker, outgoing owner and chairman of CDUK, said: “I am proud to be handing on the business to Andy with whom I have worked closely for over 10 years. Over the last couple of years, Andy and his senior management team have taken on more and more responsibility for leading the business. It was really important to me to have a succession plan involving people who understand where CDUK has come from and who will maintain the values we have always held dear. At the same time, the company is in a great place to thrive and adapt to new challenges. I look forward to seeing how Andy and his team grow and develop the business in the future.”
