Since 1985, RSD Pressings has been a family-run business in the UK, specialising in presswork and metal fabrication. Led by Managing Director Danny Burton, the company prides itself on its strategic growth and deep-rooted commitment to its employees. With nearly 40 years in the industry, RSD Pressings has cultivated a business model that balances ambitious expansion with a supportive, family-oriented work environment.
Investment in Growth and Diversification
At its core, RSD Pressings is a presswork company with capabilities up to 400 tons, and ambitions of taking this to 500 tons in the next 5 years. Beyond its core service, the company has diversified into welding, laser cutting, and roll forming, serving a wide range of sectors from automotive and construction to white goods and equestrian. This diversification is a key part of the company's strategy to reduce its reliance on any single sector, particularly the volatile automotive industry.
Despite the broader economic challenges and a perceived lack of government investment in UK manufacturing, RSD Pressings continues to invest heavily in its operations. Recent investments include upgrading its tool room with over £100,000 in new machinery to enhance efficiency and maintain the high quality of its products. This forward-thinking approach ensures the business remains competitive and adaptable in an ever-changing market.
The Culture of Personal and Professional Wellbeing
Danny Burton's leadership is underpinned by a philosophy that a happy workforce is a productive one. Unlike some industry norms, RSD Pressings operates on a policy of fairness and respect, particularly concerning employee hours and pay. The company ensures its staff have a healthy work-life balance, with everyone finishing at 1 PM on Fridays to enjoy a full weekend. This progressive policy fosters high morale and reinforces the company's dedication to its team's personal well-being.
"I try and treat it as a family business and convey that across to everybody," Danny explained. "We're looking after everybody as much as you can do... I'm not going to be asking you to work 50, 55, 60 hours a week."
This approach extends to the company's commitment to developing its own talent. While they've had success with traditional apprenticeships in the past, RSD Pressings now focuses on nurturing existing staff, offering internal "apprenticeships" to promising young employees. These individuals receive bespoke training and opportunities to advance within the company, proving that loyalty and hard work are valued and rewarded.
Danny also spoke candidly about his stance on fair pay for apprentices, noting that even before the current living wage standards, he paid apprentices the equivalent of a living wage rather than the lower, government-recommended rate. He believes this not only attracts better talent but is also a matter of basic decency. “It's always been a joke really," he said about the lower pay rates. "We paid them the equivalent of the living wage... and I think it probably attracted the better candidates as well."
This combination of strategic investment and a strong focus on employee well-being positions RSD Pressings not just as a successful business, but as a responsible and ethical employer in the UK manufacturing landscape.