Wakefield-based Group Rhodes (www.grouprhodes.co.uk), the advanced engineering company, recently welcomed the Lord Lieutenant for West Yorkshire (plus the Mayor and Mayoress of Wakefield) to showcase the company’s investment in high-technology manufacturing.

They were welcomed by Group Rhodes CEO Mark Ridgway, who organised a factory tour and gave a presentation about the business, its history and its relocation to its premises on Calder Vale 18 months ago, which has put the company in a strong position for future growth.

Mr Ridgway explained how the company is innovating, and he said that it currently has a patent pending for a new device to enhance the processing of lightweight alloys at high temperatures.

The factory tour included an overview of the manufacturing plants for the group’s three companies — Craven Fawcett, Hallamshire Engineering and Rhodes Interform — plus a visit to the machine shop and an introduction to the quality plus health-and-safety department by QHSE manager Graham Howard.

Following the visit, Mr Ridgway said: “It was great to have the opportunity to showcase our new factory to the Lord Lieutenant and the Mayor and Mayoress of Wakefield — and to discuss our latest innovations.

“We have invested heavily in refurbishing and re-equipping this facility over the past 12 months, and we have created a number of new jobs.

“We continue to focus on innovation and new-product development, with new technologies being explored and patents developed.

“This has reinforced our position as a market leader in our sector.”

“The Lord Lieutenant (Ed Anderson) said: “Group Rhodes is an excellent example of advanced manufacturing here in Wakefield.

“It is 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.”