Unifrax I LLC, a Niagara Falls, N.Y.-based manufacturer of ceramic-fiber insulation products, entered into an agreement to acquire Brightcross Manufacturing Ltd. and Brightcross Insulation Ltd. Brightcross, based in Derby, is the leading supplier of vacuum-formed ceramic-fiber products in the U.K. The company also does a substantial amount of export business into the EU. The acquisition is expected to close in the third quarter.

All of Brightcross’ employees will join the Unifrax European team. According to Unifrax, which has been a supplier to Brightcross for several years, the acquisition will strengthen the company’s European vacuum-forming business and improve its position in the European market.