RSS Enhances Gemmak Manufacturing Facility

Rope and Sling Specialists Ltd. (RSS) has made a significant investment of £500k to relocate its Gemmak Engineering Ltd. fabrication business from Pyle, Wales, to Swansea. Acquired by RSS in February 2019, Gemmak’s move aligns with RSS’s strategy to expand its manufacturing capabilities and utilize valuable land assets.

The relocation to a spacious 28,000 square-foot facility, situated on a larger plot of land, marks a pivotal step for Gemmak. While retaining its name and independence, Gemmak will operate as a separate entity within RSS’s engineering services department, equipped with state-of-the-art machinery for metal fabrication.

Under the leadership of Steve Hutin, managing director at RSS, Gemmak has evolved into a fully operational manufacturing division. The investment includes the adoption of cutting-edge design and fabrication technologies, such as SolidWorks-based design systems and a suite of advanced equipment including guillotines, plasma cutters, and various drilling and cutting tools.

Gemmak’s capabilities extend to one-off projects, batch orders, and ongoing production lines, serving both existing and new customers. This development aligns with RSS’s broader expansion plans, including the establishment of new locations in Glasgow, Bristol, and the West Midlands this year, with further expansion slated for 2025.

Steve Simpson, engineering services business development at Gemmak, will spearhead efforts to leverage the enhanced manufacturing capabilities across all RSS operations nationwide. Gemmak’s recent UKCA Certificate of Conformity underscores its commitment to quality and compliance, ensuring adherence to industry standards.