Managing Director
A manufacturing capability, passion and expertise that spans 40 years.
Our extensive portfolio of British-made access, handling and storage equipment includes over 3,000 standard products, all designed, manufactured and assembled at our purpose-built factory in Redditch.
Drawing on a manufacturing capability that spans over 40 years, our team is made up of skilled experts who are passionate about their craft and take genuine pride in their work. Blending this craftsmanship with innovations in technology such as our state-of-the-art laser cutter, robotic arm, powder coating facility and CAD, we design, create and construct products at the forefront of safety, quality and durability standards.
Management & Team Leaders
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Andy Colley
Email: andy@redhillmanufacturing.co.uk
Office: +44 (0)1527 529002
Mobile: +44 (0)7808 529002Andy Colley became Managing Director in 2019, moving up from Operations Director and taking over the role from his father, Ken Colley. As a grandson of the original founder, Eric Barnard, Andy represents a new generation of the family and initially started at Redhill in 2003, working in each area of the business to gain all-round experience.
Influential in moving the business forward, Andy has continually researched new technologies and manufacturing methods, and was instrumental in installing a new laser cutting machine in 2016, bringing significant quality improvements to Redhill’s processes and products.
Achieving the BSI Kitemark for Redhill’s range of Mobile Safety Steps in 2014 was a particular highlight for Andy, achieved after rigorous testing and revisions, and highlighting the company’s commitment to quality, safety and durability.
As the new Managing Director, Andy is focused on identifying efficiencies to help Redhill continually improve. This involves overseeing a new IT system, expanding the team and embracing new technologies to improve speed and accuracy, refine products, develop prototypes and build stock levels.
Core focus for the moment is building distributor relationships across the UK and globally, but mindful of the company’s long, local heritage, Andy is especially proud Redhill continues to be a family-run business, with a friendly, open and supportive culture. Testament to that is a loyal and dedicated workforce, many of whom have been with Redhill for over 35 years!
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Kevin Balcombe
Email: kevin@redhillmanufacturing.co.uk
Office: +44 (0)1527 529002As one of Redhill’s longest serving members of staff, Kevin Balcombe knows the business inside out. After joining as a 17-year old apprentice in 1983, he spent two years on the shop floor, paint spraying, assembling, driving a fork lift truck and generally seeing how the company operated.
In 1989, he was appointed Works Manager, a position he has held ever since, which, then as now, involves running the shop floor, updating drawings as the product range increases and resourcing the workplace with new machinery and ideas. Over the years, this has seen Kevin help with expanding the premises, bringing Redditek back in-house, introducing new Health & Safety standards, setting up a British Standard quality system, and overseeing machinery, security and fire systems.
A key change in 1992 involved the delivery of a new CNC tube-bending machine, the first of its kind in the UK, which could be programmed via computer, eventually leading to the computerisation of all functions. In 2016, Kevin oversaw the introduction of a laser cutting machine in 2016, transforming manufacturing capability; and in 2019, the addition of the Solid Works 3D CAD package, revolutionising drawing capability.
With more than 37 years’ experience, it’s no surprise to learn Kevin is generally one step ahead of everybody else when it comes to manufacturing knowledge. Kevin says he treats the company as if it were his own, which means leading by example, learning from mistakes and making time to laugh, at least once a day!
Works Manager
Kevin Balcombe
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Sam Bentley
Email: samb@redhillmanufacturing.co.uk
Office: +44 (0)1527 529002
Mobile: +44 (0)7701 315007Sam joined Redhill as Sales Manager in June 2017, charged with the task of increasing sales and expanding the distributor network. With ten years’ experience gained within end-user sales, Sam had a first-hand understanding not only of the industry, but also what customers were looking from a manufacturer, and was able to give us invaluable input on how better to service and communicate with our distributor network.
Working within a family-run business involves wearing many hats and Sam has more than risen to the occasion. In any one day, he can be found managing customer service teams, overseeing marketing activities, attending site visits and actively supporting our drive towards greater IT efficiency by helping to implement our new IT system.
Embracing Redhill’s core values of continual improvement and development, Sam is fully committed to achieving excellence in everything he does, going over and above to exceed customer expectations. In recognition of his dedication, we were delighted when he picked up Raja and Welco’s ‘Extra Mile’ award at their annual awards evening in January 2020.
With a first class knowledge of our product range and manufacturing processes, a real ‘hands on’ approach and a friendly, outgoing manner, Sam is happy to answer any enquiry and can always be relied upon to go the extra mile!
Sales Manager
Sam Bentley
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Trevor joined Redhill Manufacturing in 1988. In his current role he is responsible for overlooking the finishing of all products and leading the associated team.
Leader: Product Finishing
Trevor Cains
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Dean joined Redhill Manufacturing in 1990. In his current role he is responsible for overlooking the sheet metal processing and looking after the associated team.
Leader: Sheet Metal Preparation
Dean Roberts
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Daniel joined Redhill Manufacturing in 2013. In his current role he is responsible for the team who prepare tube, box and angle designs as part of the product manufacturing process.
Leader: Tube/Box/Angle Preparation
Daniel Ferris
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Scott joined Redhill Manufacturing in 2003. In his current role he is responsible for leading the team who focus on the production of larger steps in the Redhill Steptek range.
Leader: Large Step Manufacture
Scott Williams
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Darren joined Redhill Manufacturing in 2017 and looks after the welding team and department.
Leader: Welding Facility
Darren Palmer
Our History
Key processes and capabilities
Welding
Our team of highly skilled metalworkers and welders has the experience and expertise to construct products to the highest degree of precision assurance, ensuring a product that is designed to perform, deliver and last for years to come. Plant includes sixteen various Mig and Big Welding machines, with two spot welders and tables, and a new automated robotic welding arm, recently introduced to increase productivity in our classic range of steps. A new state-of-the-art extraction system, installed to Government guidelines, remove welding fuels and grinding dust from the air, creating a safer, cleaner welding environment.
New Powder Coating System
In 2020, we invested in a state-of-the-art Powder Coating System, comprising a massive overhead monorail track that runs throughout the factory, ensuring total integration between product preparation, paint application and powder curing. Components enter the system at various points along the production line, automatically entering the bespoke new drying oven, powder booth and curing oven. When the powder coating process is complete, items are automatically returned to the appropriate location for assembly, checking and despatch. The automated, intelligent system provides a purpose-built solution to our powder coating requirements, producing a higher quality, more consistent finish, faster turnaround, greater flexibility and improved safety.
New Robotic Welding Cell
In 2020, we invested in a new Robotic Welding Cell, manned by a state-of the art, collaborative robotic arm, designed by Universal Robots and installed by WeldAbility. Easy to programme, fast to deploy and safe to use, the robotic arm works within a fully automated cell, utilising a spot weld template to perform welding where required, introducing new levels of speed, flexibility and accuracy and further enhancing the quality, build and longevity of our products. Combined with the time-honoured skill, expertise and experience of our metalworkers and welders, it gives us a manufacturing capability that is second to none, significantly increasing efficiency and productivity.
Robotic Arm
In 2013, we took delivery of a Robotic Arm to work with the press. With human-like dexterity but greater accuracy than a human worker, and faster working speeds with no down time, it revolutionised our production capability, significantly reducing cycle time and maximising throughput. Delivering 24/7 automation, it has given us game-changing benefits in terms of speed, safety, consistency, reliability and productivity.
CNC Tube-bending
Our Pedrazzoli BM42 CNC Tube Bender features state-of-the-art technology, with the capability to process tube from 10 – 42mm and the option to position automatically in a right or left tube bending configuration or change direction via a rotative head. Fixed and variable radii can be bent within the same cycle, and the machine also facilitates bends with no straight between them. Equipped with the latest software, it enables us to program via computer, ensuring precision accuracy and drastically reducing cycle time.
Laser Cutting
In 2016, we invested in an Amada LCG3015-AJ flatbed laser cutting machine, equipped with an Amada developed fibre engine, ensuring high cutting speeds and low running costs. Capable of cutting copper, brass and titanium, the machine sets a new benchmark for precision performance, speed and efficiency. With up to 38% high processing speeds and fastest in class feed rates, processing time is greatly reduced, while laser precision cutting ensures exceptional accuracy. The fibre laser is environmentally friendly and the Amada LCG3015-AJ uses a combination of compressed air and Nitrogen assist gasses. Reduced steel loads allied with precision cutting ensure wastage is kept to a minimum.
Nano Pallet Wrapper
Our state-of-the-art, automated Robopac Nano Pallet Wrapper has significantly increased packing efficiency. Utilising a special nano film that can be stretched to higher tensions than a standard pallet wrapping machine, it produces a better quality wrap to pallet, making packing easier and quicker, with less waste. Coupled with a newly sourced ‘U’ shape foam protectors and micro foam rolls, it enhances product protection during transit, reducing possibility of damage. The machine also provides real time data, enabling performance and expenditure to be closely monitored.
CAD Drawing and MRP Software
In 2019, we introduced a Solid Works 3D CAD package, which revolutionised our drawing capability. A powerful 3D design and manufacturing solution, the system has provided us with specialised tools for sheet metal, weldments, surfacing, moulds, product configuration and design analysis, enabling us to develop a sophisticated components and parts library, with automated cost estimation, design & drawing checking, and collaboration capabilities. Incorporating sales, manufacturing, engineering and accounting functions, the new system also facilitates faster sales order processing, shipping and invoicing, and allows a more speedy, accurate response in such areas as quoting, costing, reporting and stock control.
Prototypes
We specialise in conceptual design and bringing new products to market. We can create prototypes and full design specifications from a description, drawings or a copy of the item, creating a bespoke manufacturing solution to match your exact requirements. During manufacture, we continually revise our processes, working with you closely until completion to ensure maximum design consistency and efficiency, and that your expectations are always exceeded. From a modified cabinet to additional rungs on a step ladder, we can cater to your specific needs, manufacturing in volume to meet demand.
Cabinet Section
Our cabinet section is equipped with three manufacturing presses and a steel CNC Turret Punch, enabling us to bend and punch the parts required for cabinet manufacture, with items then assembled on our spot welding tables. This on-site facility gives us the capacity to offer an extensive range of cabinets, designed to withstand usage in the toughest environments, with many options, from freestanding to wall and mobile units, with a choice of drawers, shelves and bins, and wide range of accessories, to create bespoke storage solutions.
Storage and Fast Despatch
We are continually expanding our warehousing facilities, providing additional storage for finished stock, ensuring it is available for immediate despatch. Our current premises span 63,000 square feet, with an additional mezzanine floor in Unit 2 providing extensive storage facilities, enabling us to provide a ‘next day’ or ‘soon as’ delivery policy on the majority of our products.
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Committed to exceptionally high standards
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Redhill’s BS Mobile Safety Steps were the first of their kind to be awarded the British Kitemark.
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Our own exacting standard ensure our products are built to the highest levels of reliability, safety and durability.