The latest chapter in Rope and Sling Specialists’ (RSS) history started in 2006 when Steve Hutin, managing director, acquired a humble lifting and rigging gear equipment supplier, but one with undoubted and unfulfilled potential.
The takeover represented a return to RSS for Hutin, who had originally worked at the company for nearly four years before leaving late in 2002, having agreed with the owners at the time to go their separate ways. He stayed in the industry however and joined a fellow lifting equipment supplier, also in South Wales.
Word reached entrepreneur Hutin that the owners of RSS were experiencing issues with the business and would be keen to take purchase enquiries and offers from interested parties. Enthused by the prospect of returning to lead a company that he already had an affinity with, Hutin tabled an offer and, upon successful completion of the transaction, implemented a long-term strategy to turn RSS into a truly national lifting and below-the-hook equipment supplier, with quality of service at its heart.
Such has been the extent of the evolution, Hutin says the only elements of the business that remain true to its past are the name and its lifting centricity. The company has been transformed over the last 12 years; what was once a local supplier is now delivering to all parts of the UK from six strategically positioned depots in Wales, London, Scotland, Warrington, Kent, and Rotherham. Further plans are afoot to expand that geographical presence to 10 or 12 sites as piecemeal expansion continues in terms of infrastructure, a 50+ workforce, and much more.
RSS has become a multifaceted lifting gear supplier offering pioneering product solutions (for sale or hire), backed up by comprehensive inspection, testing, and training services. To support such growth and diversification RSS has constantly invested in state-of-the-art business systems, IT, education, and a fleet of vehicles, that are leveraged to deliver a world-class service to a portfolio of varied customers.
Ongoing success is demonstrated by repeat business from large, blue chip companies, and some of the nation’s biggest construction and infrastructure projects. All customers benefit from being served by a company 100% focussed on lifting equipment, not one that offers rigging gear as part of a broader plant or tool offering. Equipment is thusly provided and supported by personnel that understand it better than anyone else in industry.
RSS is synonymous with service—and that won’t change
