Group Rhodes acquires assets of Atkin Automation

Atkin Automation, of Thetford, Norfolk, incorporates both the WT Atkin and BHP brands, both long established UK companies providing engineering and industrial automation solutions to a wide variety of international industries. Group Rhodes is headquartered in Wakefield, West Yorkshire. Along with turnkey handling solutions, Atkin will continue to supply a comprehensive selection of individual machines, ranging from press and coil-feed equipment through to coil holders and straighteners, as well as OEM parts for all existing machinery that will continue to be supplied and fitted by dedicated service engineers, based permanently in the field. Says Group Rhodes' managing director, Mark Ridgway OBE: "The purchase offers greater control over our supply chain, enhances our technical skills and ensures that we can continue to develop new solutions to meet our customers' needs." Speaking for Atkin Automation, sales manager Geoff Barker adds: "Joining Group Rhodes will inevitably strengthen the commitment to our customers. Along with offering a complementary product range to Group Rhodes' presses, there is exciting synergy with Group Rhodes' company Hallamshire Engineering Services, which specialise in heavy duty conveyor systems for the quarry and mining industry. I look forward to dealing with the many great opportunities that lie ahead."