A COLCHESTER-based stone firm is paving the way to a new future after being sold off.

Global Stone, which was owned by Kent Blaxill, has been transferred to stone supplier Indian-based Shree Agencies.

The firm, which has its distribution centre in Little Tey, was set up 16 years ago to supply paving stones for the UK market.

Kent Blaxill has confirmed all jobs are safe and staff are transferring over with the new owner. It is expected more staff will be taken on shortly.

Simon Blaxill, managing director of Kent Blaxill, said ‘There is a very strong logic in the sale to Shree Agencies for both parties.

“Kent Blaxill is very proud to have developed a niche and profitable business with a very good reputation in the stone domestic market, but choices have to be made and Kent Blaxill has ambitious plans to further develop its decorative paint and builders’ merchant business-es across the East of England.

“All staff are transferring and the expectation is that staff numbers will increase further with the expected investment.

“Global Stone has just recently taken on extra sales staff to back up the growth intentions so excit-ing times ahead for Global Stone and we wish them continued success.”

Shree Agencies said it planned to invest in the business and help drive it forward.

Julian Wood, managing director of Global Stone, added: “We are ready to develop new products which require investment.

“We know Shree Agencies very well and I believe this will make our business and team even stronger for the future.”

Harsh Kalani, managing director of Shree, added: "We are excited about working with the Global Stone team with closer synergies and new opportunities.

"Our relationship with Global Stone has given us a great insight in the UK and a closer association will enable us to com-bine our company expertise to bring yet more ideas and products to market."