MADE IN THE UK
RLS Tooling: Making an impact Being at the cutting edge of the industry and technology is something normally associated with large multinationals. However, the small family business of RLS Tooling proves this isn’t always the case.
F
ounded in 1989, RLS Tooling Ltd – a specialist in manufacturing tooling for most thread rolling applications, as well as form rolling – was set up by Roger Smith after he spotted an opportunity to produce special dies for thread rolling and form rolling tools. “I started in a bad time, just as we were about to go into a recession. Luckily, ignorance was bliss,” laughs Roger. “I had been involved in the industry for a number of years and I noticed not many companies produced special thread or form rolling dies. That was when I decided to exploit the opportunity by opening a factory and produce them myself.” Initially producing special dies and sourcing standard dies, RLS focused on the UK market before exporting to the French and German markets. After only two years the company also introduced the in-house production of standard dies. Continuing to achieve steady growth, in 2000 RLS acquired the manufacturing capabilities for tangential chases, cylindrical rolls and flat dies. “We had never produced cylindrical thread rolls before and this gave us the ability to manufacture them in-house,” mentions Roger. “It also added to our service and revenue stream – dovetailing perfectly into what we could already offer. The strategy of continuing to develop our range and skills enabled us to stay competitive within the market and improve our service.”
RLS has over 40 machines – with a good proportion CNC machines
66 FASTENER + FIXING MAGAZINE // ISSUE 111 MAY 2018
Next generation
In 2013, Marcus Smith, son of Roger, took over the day-to-day management of the company – having been at the business for 18 years and worked across every department. “I started on the shop floor and have operated every single machine, which has given me a great understanding of all the processes and the business as a whole,” says Marcus. From the very beginning it was made clear Marcus was now responsible for the company. “I have been very lucky my dad stepped aside, and I could almost learn by my own mistakes,” says Marcus. “He is still CEO and comes into the office every few weeks, which means I can still take advantage of the vast knowledge and experience he has of the industry. However, the final decision is down to me.” Roger adds: “It was clear the industry was changing, with greater emphasis on computerisation in manufacturing and this change was the catalyst for having a younger person with a different skill set to head the team and continue the growth in these modern times. Over the last 2 – 3 years we have invested heavily and a lot of what we are doing now strategy wise is being driven by Marcus.” RLS has over 40 machines – with a good proportion CNC machines. “Our philosophy has always been to reinvest in new machinery as well as adapt and modify existing equipment – using the experience within the company or by approaching experts and technology centres,” explains Marcus. “Quality is expected nowadays as standard, which is why we ensure we are always innovating our machinery and where possible buying high-quality equipment to produce the parts.