Rapid International Ltd

One company that has survived many an economic downturn and have lived to tell the tale is Tandragee-based, Rapid International Ltd. Rapid International Ltd are recognised as one of the world’s leading manufacturers of concrete pan and planetary mixers, mobile plants, concrete batching plants and mixer washout systems. They supply to the concrete, construction and environmental industries. This year Rapid are proud to be celebrating four decades of engineering excellence.

Listening to the Market
Formerly known as Craigavon Engineering, the company was set up in 1969 by Jim Lappin and the late Bertie Pickering in a small garage on the outskirts of Portadown, N. Ireland. They began by supplying the agricultural sector, manufacturing link boxes for tractors along with cattle and pig trailers. As is always the case with Rapid International, as it became, they kept a close eye on the market; listened to customers and shifted their focus to the construction industry. This decision has paid off handsomely and today Rapid boast an award-winning product portfolio and sales extending to more than 20 countries around the world.

Product Development
Today all design and production takes place at Rapid’s impressive 36,000 sq ft manufacturing base, in Tandragee, N. Ireland.  
As demonstrated previously in the 1970s, it is important to listen to the market and because of this, Rapid discovered that by producing their own concrete pan mixers to fit into their existing batching plants, their customers could benefit from a complete turn-key operation including the after-sales and spares package.  This proved hugely successful and through dedicated Research and Development, the concrete pan mixer – “Rapid Hi-Speed Pan Mixer” has now evolved into a family of quality Pan and Planetary mixers with output capacities ranging from 0.375 m³ (0.5yds³) to 3 m³ (4 yds³).
Again, through the Research and Development process, Rapid has developed a range of mobile batching plants, notably the Rapidmix 400C and 600C. With many of their clients moving from one project to another, Rapid realised there was a demand for a fully mobile plant which would facilitate these movements in location. They have also ensured that this machine appeals to several markets and this is demonstrated in its use in soil stabilisation and road construction. In true Rapid style, this machine has and continues to evolve; ensuring customers can achieve increased productivity and produce top quality concrete.
The company’s range of products is constantly being improved and extended by a research and development programme led by the design team.  They consider everything from aesthetics to safety with all new designs and innovations being rigorously tested by the team who have access to some of the country’s leading research centres.  
Rapid know that in order to get quality machines out to the marketplace, only quality materials, components and workmanship can be put into each product.  Finishing too, must be meticulous – only the best paint materials and processes are used.  

Lean Manufacturing
While placing importance on product development, Rapid International also recognizes the benefits of improving their manufacturing processes. Directed by Mark Lappin, with the help of Invest Northern Ireland, the company has been gradually introducing the Lean Manufacturing production process throughout the entire factory floor.
To assist Rapid in achieving their goals of increased productivity and reduction in waste, they recently participated in the Invest NI - Business Improvement Training Programme. As well as significantly raising the skill levels of managers and employees throughout the company, other outcomes ranged from creating a tidier work place to an improvement in the flow of material around the factory.
One of the most notable outcomes related to procurement and stock holding, this saw a 10% reduction in stock levels. And with regards to reducing wasteful activities, the company has seen a significant 15% reduction in quality defects.  
Rapid International Ltd continues to dedicate time and energy into Lean Manufacturing in order to achieve one of the process’ main objectives: improving overall customer value.

New Markets
During the mid 1970s the company branched out into the general UK market. The late Bertie Pickering did much of the groundwork for this strategy, covering the length and breadth of the United Kingdom. Through this approach, he succeeded in acquiring a bank of new customers, many of whom have remained loyal and are still with Rapid today. This direct selling approach still continues with Rapid salesmen dedicated to covering the UK and Ireland.
The key to Rapid International surviving the tough economic times has been not to concentrate solely on one market. Their successful expansion into new markets over the past four decades has been based on hard work, enthusiasm and the commitment of the entire sales and marketing team.
Careful and meticulous market research visits are carried out to identify regions where economies are growing or where investment in infra-structure looks likely in the near future. And also through attending international exhibitions such as Bauma in Germany, Intermat in France and World of Concrete in Las Vegas, they have achieved worldwide recognition and sourced many distributors.
Their products are now available in more than 20 countries worldwide. Distributors are carefully selected to ensure that if any customers have a problem of any kind, the distributor will be on hand to help them. For Rapid International, customer service is as important in the export markets as it is on the home front. They ensure quality products are supplied with excellent service support systems in place.


Death of Bertie Pickering
It was with great sadness that Managing Director, Bertie Pickering, who founded the company with Jim Lappin, passed away in 2007. As the business developed in the early days, Bertie took on the role as Sales and Marketing manager within the company while Jim focused on Production. Through his travelling to the US, Saudi Arabia and Australia, he established new contacts and dealerships. His sheer dedication and commitment undoubtedly laid the groundwork for the export sales team and contributed to the success of the company.
In later years, Bertie was involved in Research and Development of new products.  The continuous expansion and success which the company enjoyed and continues to enjoy today is a testament to his efforts in R & D.  His joyful mood and sense of humour is absent from functions, trade shows and throughout the industry. He is sadly missed by all.

The Future
Today, Rapid are still providing quality mixing and batching products to the concrete and environmental industries. Exciting developments are under way, with new mixers for the future, watch this space…

Rapid’s export strategy remains top of their agenda, continuously looking at new markets, sourcing new distributors, taking advantage of overseas opportunities to ensure continued growth and success.  
Rapid International Ltd has come a long way since the days of working in a small garage.  However, the pioneering and innovating spirit of those early days lives on in the company.  They have also proved that they can stay ahead of the competition and prosper and we can only wish them continued success.