Group Rhodes, the 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, to meet the needs of its ever-growing customer base across its four divisions.
This 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, OBE DL, Chief Executive of Group Rhodes, explains: “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.”
Mark Ridgway adds: “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 announced 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.
2024 marks the company’s 200th anniversary year. From its early days in 1824 when Joseph Rhodes opened his first machine workshop in Wakefield, to Group Rhodes today supplying machinery equipment solutions to manufacturers throughout the world, the company has shown both resilience and adaptability. Its sovereign capability has been previously recognised by Queen’s Awards for Enterprise in both the Innovation and International Sales categories.
