Equipment manufacturer goes for growth in its 200th year

Group Rhodes, a Wakefield-based original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for the metalforming, composite forming and heavy ceramic sectors, has significantly expanded its workforce over the last six months.
It has taken on staff to meet the needs of its growing customer base across its four divisions.
Its recruitment includes six new staff for Group Rhodes, four for its Rhodes Interform division, four for the group’s latest addition, BJD Crushers and two for its Craven Fawcett business.
Most of these new appointments are within the company’s manufacturing and machining operations.
Mark Ridgway, chief executive of Group Rhodes, said: “We are excited to have appointed these new staff members to meet the needs of our expanding order book.
“The acquisition of BJD Crushers at the end of 2023 has had a positive impact on our Craven Fawcett and Hallamshire Engineering Services businesses and has significantly strengthened our materials handling and heavy ceramic operations.
“We have also secured major contract wins in the composite and metal forming sectors.
“It is hugely satisfying to report that our business continues to evolve and adapt to new market conditions in its 200th anniversary year.
“Relevance and product differentiation remain our key drivers in an increasingly segmented marketplace.”
Group Rhodes has recently revealed major new domestic contracts with companies such as Ibstock plc, Zentia and Cascade Manufacturing, and an additional 25% of the current order book rests with international sales.
Group Rhodes manufactures and markets its machinery from its factory in West Yorkshire, which it sells to both the UK and global markets.
Its capabilities including the design, development and manufacture of bespoke equipment and provision of complete turnkey solutions.
BJD Crushers, Craven Fawcett and Hallamshire Engineering Services manufacture machinery and spare parts for the aggregates, heavy clay and materials handling sectors. Rhodes Interform focuses on the design and manufacture of machinery to serve the advanced metal and composite forming industries, with a particular focus on the aerospace sector.