Simon Lightwood, the Labour Member of Parliament for Wakefield and Shadow Minister for Transport, recently visited the head offices and factory of Group Rhodes in Wakefield, West Yorkshire. During the visit, Mark Ridgway OBE DL, the CEO of Group Rhodes, provided Simon with a comprehensive tour of the facility, showcasing the innovative work carried out by the company in sectors such as aerospace, automotive, and heavy ceramics.
Mark Ridgway emphasized the importance of engineering excellence in Wakefield’s history and highlighted Group Rhodes’ upcoming 200th anniversary. He discussed the need for appropriate skills and investment strategies to build upon this legacy and address challenges at both local and national levels.
Simon and his team were given a tour of the company premises, engaged with employees, and received a presentation on Group Rhodes’ main trading divisions. Discussions included topics such as R&D Tax Credits, advanced engineering skills, technological innovation, and achieving net-zero targets in sectors like aerospace and automobile manufacturing.
During the visit, Group Rhodes showcased their state-of-the-art clay preparation machinery used for the first net-zero brick facility in the UK and highlighted their technology’s application at the South Kirkby Household Waste Recycling Centre.
Group Rhodes is a supplier of machinery and after-market services for various industries, including metal forming, material handling, waste management, and more. The company is celebrating its 200th year in 2024 and is recognized as one of Europe’s largest Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in its field.