200-year-old manufacturer hunts fresh opportunities as it expands operations

Group Rhodes, a manufacturer of original equipment for the metalforming, composites, heavy ceramic and material handling sectors, has marked its 200th anniversary by revealing new growth.

The company has expanded its operations into a new 25,000 sq ft premises next to its manufacturing facility in Wakefield.

The extended factory will allow the firm to enhance its operations with new spares and storage space, enabling it to be even more responsive to customer requirements.

The news just weeks after Group Rhodes confirmed it had appointed 16 new staff across its Rhodes Interform, BJD Crushers and Craven Fawcett businesses.

Part of its success is due to Group Rhodes acquiring BJD (British Jeffrey Diamond) Crushers, which manufactures and supplies a variety of material processing equipment including high-capacity crushers designed to control product size.

Group Rhodes also attributes its growth to securing major new international contracts alongside significant domestic sales to companies such as Ibstock plc, Zentia and Cascade Manufacturing.

Mark Ridgway, chief executive, said: “This is a really exciting time for our business, as we celebrate our 200th anniversary and expand into our new premises.

“Since 1824, when our company started out mechanising the tinker’s (tinsmith) trade, we have remained dedicated to quality in both manufacture and service.

“Over the years, we have established our reputation as a quality original equipment manufacturer for many industries, including metal fabrication, aerospace and clay preparation.

“With our expanded factory we will be in an even stronger position to take advantage of both UK and international business opportunities.

“It is fantastic to report that our business is going from strength-to-strength and we are looking forward to celebrating this significant milestone in our history.”

Group Rhodes manufactures and markets its machinery from its factory, which it sells to both the UK and global markets.

The company’s capabilities include the design, development and manufacture of bespoke equipment and provision of 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.