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    A manufacturing capability, passion and expertise that spans 45 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 45 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.

     

     

    Directors

    • An image of Andy Colley

      Managing Director

      Andy Colley

    • Director & HR

      Sam Colley

    Sales

    Production

    • Operations Director

      Kevin Balcombe

    • Production Manager

      Robert Underhill

    • Production & Accounts

      Holly Jones

    • Leader: Large Step Manufacture

      Scott Williams

    • Leader: Product Finishing

      Trevor Cains

    Well Built In Britain

    Spanning over six decades and three family generations the Redhill story is one that we are extremely proud of.

    Read our story

    Our History

    1977

    Early beginnings

    Redhill Material Handling is formed by Eric Barnard and Ken Colley, operating from 1,800 sq ft premises in South Moons Moat Industrial Estate, Redditch, with 4 employees, manufacturing lawnmower handles & accessories for Birmingham-based, Wolesley Webb.

    1978

    Extending the range

    We commence manufacture of Sack Trucks, Platform Trucks, Tray Trolleys, Shelf Trucks and Hand Pull Trailers, promoting 48 products in an exhibition at St John’s Hotel, Solihull and attracting several distributors.

    1978

    Making Mesh Containers for Cadbury’s

    An order from Cadbury’s sees us manufacturing bespoke Mesh Containers to house their shop deliveries, and we also design and install retaining bars in their delivery vehicles.

    1979

    Expansion into Workbenches

    Manufacture of lawnmower parts ceases and we start producing Workbenches & Accessories for Kaiser+Kraft.

    1980

    A change of name

    We rename ourselves Redhill Manufacturing Ltd, highlighting our manufacturing capability.

    1982

    A major new client

    A new manufacturing agreement with Key Industrial Equipment sees us further expanding our range.

    1983

    Moving up to 3,500 sq ft

    We move from Unit 49 to Unit 53, nearly doubling our factory size, and install a 2,600 sq ft mezzanine floor.

    1983

    First Mobile Steps and first catalogue

    Manufacture of Mobile Steps begins, initially spring loaded with 3, 4 and 5 treads and lever lock with 4 – 12 treads, and we produce our first product catalogue.

    1983

    Expansion to 6,000 sq ft

    We take over Unit 6 and add a 3,000 sq ft mezzanine floor, following a large order from GUS Group for Heavy Duty Roll Containers.

    1983

    Redditek Systems is formed

    Eric’s son, Mark Barnard, forms Redditek Systems, manufacturing Cabinets and Workbenches in Unit 53.

    1984

    A move into Pallet Trucks

    We purchase pallet truck design and manufacture from Geest, expanding our range to include 9 Pallet Trucks, producing more than 2,800 over the next four years.

    1988

    Mobile Steps in demand

    The pallet truck business is sold to Barretts of Boston, releasing much needed space for the production of our Mobile Steps, now in big demand.

    1989

    More Mobile Steps

    Our range of Mobile Steps expands to include 3 – 5 tread Classic Colour spring loaded steps in 8 colours with 2 tread types.

    1989

    An increase to 22,000 sq ft

    We take over Unit 5 and install a mezzanine floor to give us greater production capacity and house our Wet Spray Plant, releasing more space for welding in Unit 6. The units are linked to allow better flow of products.

    1995

    UK’s first CNC tube-bending machine

    We take delivery of the first CNC tube-bending machine in the UK and link it to our computer network, enabling us to develop and streamline products. Eventually, we’ll computerise our entire manufacturing process.

    1999

    Introducing Scissor Lift Tables

    We extend our product range to include Scissor Lift Tables, from 150 – 500kg capacity.

    2001

    A new Managing Director

    Eric Barnard retires and Ken Colley takes over as Managing Director.

    2007

    Redhill buys Redditek

    Redditek Systems comes on board, bringing manufacture of cabinets and workbenches back in house and rearranging Units 5 & 6 to house the machinery.

    2007

    Moving up to 32,000 sq ft

    We take over Unit 3 for our Wet Spray Plant and new Powder Coating Plant.

    2011

    Extending to 41,000 sq ft

    We take over Unit 4 and install a mezzanine floor. A new Powder Coating Plant with a track oven system enables us to powder coat all products in house.

    2013

    Expansion to 51,000 sq ft

    We increase floor space once again, expanding into Unit 2 and installing a mezzanine floor, giving us the capacity to manufacture bespoke Mobile Steps for TB Davies.

    2013

    Our first robotic arm

    Production capability is revolutionised with the introduction of a robotic arm to work with the press brake, forming and welding treads for steps.

    2013

    Distributor support

    We enhance marketing support for distributors with a new e-commerce online sales platform, personalised printed catalogue and online library for images, data and product info.

    2014

    Mobile Steps awarded BSI Kitemark

    Our range of Mobile Safety Steps is the only product of its kind in the UK to gain the BSI Kitemark BS EN 131-7:2013, setting a new benchmark for safety, quality and durability.

    2015

    Laser investment

    We invest in an updated CNC tube bender and a flatbed laser cutting machine. A real game-changer that transforms manufacture, setting new levels of efficiency, accuracy and speed.

    2015

    A global company

    Redhill ships products worldwide to the USA, Oman, UAE, India, Nigeria, Spain, Italy, Sweden, Holland, Norway, Cyprus and Ireland.

    2017

    40 years in business

    We celebrate our 40 year anniversary, combining traditional manufacturing with the latest digital technology to embrace embracing the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

    2017

    Product rebrand

    We refresh our manufacturing brands, giving Steptek, Redditek and Loadtek a clean, professional, modern look to sit alongside the Redhill identity.

    2019

    New Chairman and MD

    Ken Colley becomes Chairman and Andrew Colley takes over as Managing Director.

    2019

    CAD capability

    We introduce the Solid Works 3D CAD drawing package and bring all Redhill’s drawings up to the latest specification.

    2020

    Growth during pandemic

    Amidst challenging conditions, Redhill continues to grow in the UK and we further expand our facilities to 61,000 sq ft.

    2020

    Up to 64,000 sq ft

    We expand into Unit 1 and add a mezzanine floor, further increasing our floor space to accommodate a new Wet Spray Plant and increase capacity for Mobile Steps production.

    2020

    State-of-the-art Powder Coating

    An intelligent Powder Coating System with a computer-controlled track & oven replaces two older systems, delivering products quickly and efficiently to different assembly sections.

    2021

    Robotic Welding Cell & MRP

    Our first Robotic Welding Cell is installed for greater accuracy and speed, and we introduce a Material Requirements Planning system throughout the business to plan, schedule, manage and control all processes.

    2022

    Fire rips through premises

    In May, a major fire ripped through Redhill’s manufacturing base in Redditch, causing total devastation. Fortunately, the building was empty at the time of the fire.

    2022

    Redhill moves to temporary premises

    Two weeks after the fire and thanks to the hard work and resilience of the team, Redhill moved into local, temporary premises. Within a few weeks, manufacture starts again: The comeback plan is up and running!

    2023

    Move to purpose-built premises

    By the start of the year, Redhill had successfully moved into locally based, purpose-built 52,000 sq ft premises. The move marks a significant step forward, providing the space and capability to ramp up production and improve efficiency.

    2023

    Investment in cutting-edge technology

    Heavy investment in new technology. The new factory will feature the very latest equipment available, significantly increasing capability, quality and efficiency.

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    Committed to exceptionally high standards

    • bsi-mobile-step-kitemark

      Redhill’s BS Mobile Safety Steps were the first of their kind to be awarded the British Kitemark.

    • Redhill Quality Standard

      Our own exacting standard ensure our products are built to the highest levels of reliability, safety and durability.

    Engineering Apprenticeships: Excellent Employer

    Redhill are proud to run a successful apprenticeship scheme investing in young talent. We work closely with Next Gen Makers to ensure apprentices have the right training and support to achieve their professional goals in engineering.

    Charities we support

    • Little Hearts Matter

      The only charity in the UK dedicated to supporting and empowering anyone affected by the diagnosis of a single ventricle heart condition – or half a working heart.

      Find out more

    • MacMillan Cancer Support

      Providing services for people living with cancer at every stage of their cancer experience. Macmillan provide emotional, practical, physical, and financial support.

      Find out more

    • The Fire Fighters Charity

      The Fire Fighters Charity offers specialist, lifelong support for members of the UK fire services community, empowering individuals to live happier and healthier lives.

      Find out more