Group Rhodes, the Wakefield-based original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for the metalforming, composite forming and heavy ceramic sectors, is investing in its design team in readiness for future expansion in key markets.
As part of this process, the company has promoted Mark Roberts (C.Eng.) to the role of Engineering Design Manager, following 12 months with the business as Senior Design Engineer.
Mark, whose background is in the design and development of metalforming machinery, will manage a team of ten experienced machinery design engineers, covering all Group Rhodes business divisions. His responsibilities will include managing design engineering projects and ensuring close collaboration between the team and the wider business to meet customer objectives.
Commenting on his appointment, Mark Roberts said: “I will be nurturing and empowering the design engineering team to further enhance Group Rhodes’ reputation for state-of-the-art design solutions for customers. Our business is renowned for its 200 year history of innovation, so I am looking forward to introducing new systems and innovations to take the business forward in the future.”
In addition to Mark’s appointment, Melike Kus (MSc.) has been promoted to the role of Applications Engineer, working within the Design Engineering team. In her new role, Melike will be responsible for developing new aftermarket solutions, improving machine performance, reviewing consignment and central stock holding and optimising the company’s existing product portfolio. She will also be involved in monitoring customer accounts through Group Rhodes’ new CRM system and ensuring the company meets sales targets and revenue goals.
Like Mark, Melike will work across all divisions of Group Rhodes, enabling her to contribute to a wide range of projects and better understand the diverse needs of customers. Her initial focus will be on the aftermarket services offered by both Craven Fawcett and BJD Crushers, working under the guidance of Craven Fawcett Technical Director, Kevin Hall.
Melike Kus said:” I am excited about my new role, which will allow me to focus on specific areas of innovation for our wide customer base. Our business growth is very much dependent on being able to pioneer new solutions that optimise performance, use the latest technology and enable our customers to produce goods in the most cost efficient and sustainable way possible. This is a very exciting challenge, and I look forward to working with Kevin, Mark and the Design Engineering team to further enhance the quality and efficiency of the services we provide.”
As part of its strategic growth plans and expansion over the past six months Group Rhodes recently invested over £95k in a new Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system to enable it to enhance customer communication and meet its future growth aspirations. In doing so, Group Rhodes continues to demonstrate its confidence in the markets that it serves and has plans to create more jobs in the coming months.
