Mark Ridgway OBE DL, chief executive of Group Rhodes, organised a factory tour for the dignitaries. Ridgway also gave a presentation about the business, its history and relocation to its premises on Calder Vale 18 months ago, which has put the company in a strong position for future growth. He explained how the company is innovating, for which it has won numerous awards, and how it currently has a patent pending for a new device that enhances the processing of lightweight alloys at high temperatures.
The factory tour included an overview of the manufacturing plants for its companies - Craven Fawcett, Hallamshire Engineering and Rhodes Interform - plus a visit to the machine shop and an introduction to the quality, health and safety department.
Following the visit, Ridgway said: “It was great to have the opportunity to showcase the new factory and discuss our latest innovations. We’ve invested heavily in refurbishing and re-equipping this facility over the past 12 months, and created a number of new jobs. We continue to focus on innovation and new product development, with new technologies being explored and patents developed.”
Group Rhodes invested over £800,000 in its facility, equipment and infrastructure, including heating and extraction systems, office equipment, electrics and IT systems, mezzanine floors, and production machinery.
Anderson, said: “Group Rhodes is an excellent example of advanced manufacturing here in Wakefield. It’s fantastic to see the investment that has been made here and how the facility is geared up to serve the UK and international markets across all areas of its operations.”
