Atkin Automation equipment ready for export to North AmericaThe
Atkin Automation division of
Group Rhodes, based in Wakefield, is celebrating a record seven-figure export contract win. A North American customer has placed an order for three special-purpose laser processing cells, together with three additional process lines comprising a fleet of 36 decoilers, recoilers and associated products to be used in the sheet metal industry.
Geoff Barker, sales manager at Atkin Automation, said: “We are really pleased to be celebrating what is the largest export contract in Atkin’s history. Our expert team’s ability to seamlessly balance high-volume production with precision process control, alongside timely delivery, was a key factor in achieving this milestone. This prestigious project marks a promising start to 2025 and underscores our commitment to delivering exceptional results for our clients.”
Atkin Automation, originally the combined WT Atkin and BHP brands, is renowned for the high quality of its coil processing line equipment and has a long history of serving both UK and international markets. The substantial contract, secured with a repeat customer, will support the creation of three new material processing lines. This latest success reinforces Atkin Automation's position as a leading manufacturer of coil processing equipment for international markets.
Atkin Automation is part of the Group Rhodes family, which encompasses a range of metalforming capabilities, including its sister companies Rhodes Interform, Crescent Machinery, HME, John Shaw, Fielding and Platt, Henry Berry, and Chester Hydraulics. Group Rhodes provides a full range of OEM machinery and aftermarket services and is at the forefront of the UK metalforming industry.
Significant milestoneMark Ridgway, CEO of Group Rhodes, said: “This contract represents a significant milestone for Atkin Automation and demonstrates the continuing strength of British manufacturing in global markets. Our ability to secure large-scale international contracts reflects the quality of our engineering capabilities and our commitment to meeting customer requirements.”
The contract will be fulfilled at the company’s manufacturing facility in Wakefield, where Atkin Automation continues to invest in its advanced manufacturing capabilities and skilled engineering talent.
Group Rhodes manufactures and markets its ‘state of the art’ machinery which it sells to both UK and global markets. The company has extensive capabilities including the design, development and manufacture of bespoke equipment and the provision of complete turnkey solutions. Group companies BJD Crushers, Craven Fawcett and Hallamshire Engineering Services manufacture machinery and spare parts for the aggregates, heavy clay and material-handling sectors, whereas 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.