Rodmatic is a proactive and successful contract manufacturer focussed on the Fluid Power, Oil & Gas & Automotive Industries. Providing high volume turned parts, cnc precision machining and engineering, Rodmatic is focussed on the global market with over 50% of turnover exported. It has two divisions Rodmatic Multico, specialising in volume production of components and Rodmatic Hytek producing more complex components in small batches.

Rodmatic philosophy is to have a professional attitude towards quality, delivery and customer communication. We are dedicated to creating an extreme level of confidence among customers.

With the current market conditions driving down the batch sizes for subcontract machining while at the same time increasing the frequency of delivery, Reading based Rodmatic Hytek has moved away from overproducing and holding stock components for a specialist automotive purchaser and has developed fast-track machine changeover techniques.

Volume subcontract machinist Rodmatic Limited has opened an office in Southern India to provide an international link for medium sized manufacturing companies enabling them to enjoy the cost-down benefits for production in that country for mid-sized batches and higher volume component quantities. As part of the service Rodmatic will ensure complete security of supply enabling the companies taking part to compete on cost with larger OEM type operations.

Said managing director Brian Steatham: This is the first stage in Rodmatic global sourcing strategy that is structured to support companies that do not have the in-house resource, capability or expertise to properly research, analyse, implement, manage and monitor an offshore sourcing strategy.

Several of Rodmatic key customers are involved in global supply as part of their production strategy and have fed back how many purchasing agencies lack local expertise with an understanding and knowledge of the main aspects of production and especially when linked with logistics and on-going support. Here, Mr Steatham team will draw on some 45 years experience of volume part production in the automotive, fluid power and fastening industries to recommend the most appropriate implementation plan. The team will also vet supplier capability, production standards, monitor supply, perform independent quality assessments and fully co-ordinate projects.

He said: In the UK we will continue to build our volume production of turned parts through Rodmatic Multico and are expanding our CNC division, Rodmatic Hytec for medium and small batchwork. This expertise is being offered as support for production destined for the Asian market.

Mr Steatham has extensive experience and contacts involved with global operations following the setting up of an international software business to support markets in America, Brazil, China, Japan and Singapore. He is using the same philosophy, initially appointing a service manager based in Chennai who previously held a senior position with a background in the automotive and hydraulics supply industries. He has been briefed to expand the team that will be required to work with Rodmatic Limited in the UK to provide tailored packages in the supply of mechanical components.

Between the UK management team at Rodmatic Limited in Reading and Chennai, the new operation will take total responsibility for material sourcing, quality, security of supply through a network of reputable companies, freight, customs and tariffs. It has access to full CAD to CAM resource and communication networks between the source of supply and the UK.

Chennai was selected by Mr Steatham after prolonged investigation and negotiations as a vital hub with viable links to other manufacturing areas of Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad and Bangalore.