Devon-based manufacturer, Rotolok Limited, recently celebrated a significant milestone – 50 years since its foundation in 1973.
Founded by Dan McCauley with a £2000 overdraft, the business quickly outgrew its original premises, prompting a move to Bampton that helped establish Rotolok as a major player in the bulk handling industry. With its commitment to manufacturing equipment within the UK, the business continued to expand through strategic acquisitions of other associated companies, including Solitec Engineering, Roots, and Blo-Tech. Through these acquisitions, the Rotolok Group can offer complete turnkey solutions to its many customers both in the UK and overseas.
Expansion into the US market enabled the business to maintain its strategy of reinvestment through the purchase of state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment, such as laser cutting and CNC machining centres. The acquisition of its own foundry allowed Rotolok to maintain control over all aspects of the manufacturing process, from initial casting through to final assembly, enabling them to provide customers with high-quality valves and short delivery times.
Investment in its people has always been a key value at Rotolok, and they take pride in their continuous apprenticeship program, which has resulted in many apprentices remaining with the company. The highly skilled employees are the cornerstone of the business’s success, and as they continue to expand, Rotolok are proud to maintain their focus as a family business.
A move to the current 50,000 square foot headquarters in Tiverton has enabled the business to keep pace with the growing demand for its high-quality, British-made equipment and provides space for future expansion. Recent investments, including a state-of-the-art robotic welding cell, exemplify Rotolok’s commitment to its future, its staff, and its customers.
Commenting on this milestone, Sean Swales, Rotolok Group Managing Director, said, “We look back on our last 50 years with immense pride, but we also look forward with excitement and determination. The future holds endless possibilities, and we are well-equipped to embrace new challenges and seize emerging opportunities in this ever-changing and challenging business landscape.”