UK Manufacturing

We are delighted to now have 2 new CNC Polygon Turning machines, nicely expanding our Assets Register for 2024.

Both machines are highly specialised in offering precision and versatility for manufacturing complex polygonal parts. Their advanced CNC controls accuracy and have the ability to handle a variety of materials, making both an essential asset that require intricate and high-tolerance components. Whether for high-volume production or custom machining, our machines deliver reliable and accurate results.

Our experienced Operator, Hal along with our highly capable team, can input complex geometrical shapes and detailed machining instructions, enabling the production of intricate polygonal profiles with precision and efficiency.

We can now accommodate components with an A/F dimension from 4mm up to 90mm, allowing us to be versatile for various manufacturing needs, from small precise parts, to larger, more complex parts.

For further information, please get in touch

As a leading entity in the supply chain industry, here at Rapid we pride ourselves on being a large volume stockist and experienced importer, serving diverse sectors with precision and reliability. Our operations are robust and streamlined, designed to handle significant volumes with efficiency and accuracy.

We specialise in the importation of a wide range of products, managing the logistics of up to 5-7 containers per month. Our extensive experience in this field ensures that we maintain a seamless flow of goods, meeting the demands of our customers with consistency.

Our multiple sites boast an impressive capacity, with 972 pallet locations dedicated to stock. This extensive storage capability allows us to manage large inventories and respond promptly to market needs, ensuring that we can accommodate fluctuating demands with ease.

In addition to our stockist and importing roles, we are a bespoke UK manufacturer. Our manufacturing operations are tailored to produce high-quality, custom-made products that meet the specific requirements of our customers. Our commitment to quality and precision ensures that every product we manufacture adheres to the highest standards.

Our comprehensive approach to stocking, importing, and manufacturing, positions us as a reliable partner within the fasteners and fixings industry, capable of delivering large volumes, custom solutions, and exceptional service.

Visit us at stand P180 on the 30^th and 31^st October, at the NEC Advanced Engineering show in Birmingham.

For further information, please get in touch

As we head into the third quarter of 2024, we are delighted to give an overview of all things Rapid!

Overview:

During the first half of 2024, we’ve experienced significant growth, with our turnover rising by 20% to £3.45 million, driven by a blend of strategic initiatives. Our unwavering focus on customer satisfaction, which is at an all-time high, has been a key differentiator for us. By prioritising outstanding service and actively engaging with our customers to understand their needs, we’ve cultivated a loyal customer base that continues to grow. Furthermore, increased investment in both stock holding for standard fastener distribution and plant and equipment for manufacturing have further supported our growth and expansion.

Legislation:

At Rapid, we continue to keep up to date with new and changing legislation. This year has been especially challenging due to the introduction and implementation of EU-driven sanctions on Russian goods and the forthcoming Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).

Sanctions against Russian goods – according to Article 3g) 1. (d) of Council Regulation (EU) 833/2014

Rapid have complied with EU regulation regarding sanctions against the supply of Russian goods, raw material or processes and have robust procedures and documentation in place to ensure all goods supplied to us comply.

CBAM:

By engaging a specialist consultant, we will be able to provide all necessary documents and carbon intensity emission figures for our EU customers, covering both our standard stocked products and our own UK-manufactured items.

Please do contact Richard White or Jason Hayfield if you require further information.

Manufacturing:

Our capacity and capability are ever increasing – March saw the expansion and opening of our second manufacturing site and the acquisition of two Sliding Head CNS’s (Star SB16 and Citizen CinCom 32) and another CNC Polygon Turning Centre. Altogether, we now have forty-one machines across our two manufacturing sites.

In August, we’re excited to welcome Hal, our newest manufacturing team member, who will join us as our Senior CNC Programmer and Operator. With 18 years of experience, Hal is set to enhance our manufacturing processes and capabilities at Rapid.

Distribution (standard stocked product):

We have seen record volumes delivered to our UK, EU, and North/South American customers due to our stock holding, responsiveness, and flexibility. We have supported large Solar projects, defence, infrastructure, utilities, construction, offshore and general manufacturing.

Despite our successes in 2024, the year has been highly challenging due to disruptions in sea freight routes, which have impacted transit lead times, as well as the capacity and availability of vessel space. Sea freight charges for containers have more than doubled in price during 2024, significantly impacting on the price of low value fasteners.

At Rapid, our high stock holding has meant our stock levels have in the large remained robust, and as a result we have been able to maintain supply across the board. In several instances for specialised product, we have had to arrange airfreight for China and India. This has been unfortunate, but it demonstrates our commitment and in ensuring customers production lines do not stop.

Due to the variety and mixture of parts imported, we can fill containers with higher-than-average total values meaning the increased sea freight charges are somewhat mitigated.

Summary:

Looking ahead, we’re enthusiastic about the opportunities the coming year presents and confident in our potential for continued business growth. With our solid foundation and past successes, we are committed to delivering on an exceptional service and expanding our capabilities, ensuring that the momentum of progress and achievement continues.

For further information, please get in touch

We are proud to be the largest UK Midlands-based fastener manufacturer, growing year on year, we never stand still.

Below are some of what we believe to be the key benefits of our in-house manufacturing facility.

Flexibility:

No matter the specification, our fastener and fixing experts can adapt your requirements quickly and effectively. This on-hand flexibility ensures that you can change your product to fit a changing market with ease.

Communication:

Our onsite channels, allow for communication to be quicker, clearer, and with real-time conversations, we offer less possibility for misunderstanding.

Quality Control

Our teams work extremely hard at every stage of the manufacturing process. Following strict standards, there is no room for error, allowing confidence upon despatch, every time.

Control Of Production

We have complete control over the product output. Using close resource planning, we can plan for production spikes by having enough labor and equipment to meet demand.

With an annual output of £183 billion, the UK remains the ninth largest manufacturing nation in the world. 2.5 million jobs are provided by UK manufacturing, alongside the misconception that manufacturing jobs are poorly paid, the average manufacturing wage remains 12% higher than the whole economy.

If you’d like to see how our in-house manufacturing service could benefit your business, get in touch today.