About Us

Richard Alan is, at heart, an engineering company with the ambition to exceed customer expectations by delivering the best engineering products and services tailored to meet the unique needs of each client.

Richard Alan

Who we are?

Founded by Richard Johnson and Alan Bragan, Richard Alan began as a partnership formed during their tenure as heads of the maintenance team at Batley Carpet Mill. Since then, the company has evolved into a multi-disciplinary engineering group, known for its commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. Our team comprises engineers, designers, fabricators, and support staff, all dedicated to delivering excellence in every project.

Sustainability

At Richard Alan, sustainability is integral to our operations. We recognise the impact our business has on the environment and are committed to reducing this footprint through responsible practices. Our approach includes minimising waste, optimising energy use, and ensuring that our products and services contribute to the long-term well-being of our communities and the planet.

Established

1970

Richard Alan Engineering is established by Richard Johnson and Alan Bragan.

Partnership

1970

The partnership is formed whilst working together as heads of the maintenance team at Batley Carpet mill

Relocation

1973

The Company relocates to an old, converted Sunday school chapel in Batley Carr. Having earned a reputation providing engineering services to the many textile manufacturers in the area, focus moves towards the fast-developing local chemical industry.

Next generation

1990

The original founders retire and hand over control of the business to their sons, with Robert Johnson taking the role of Managing Director.

First aquisition

1995

The Company makes its first acquisition; stainless steel manufacturing sub-contractor, H Wilman & Sons, formerly a vinegar brewery on Grange Road, Batley.

Relocation

1997

The business relocates from Batley Carr to a new, purpose-built facility at Shaw Cross, Dewsbury. The new site is chosen for its ideal central location and the scope it offers for future expansion.

Outstanding

1997

Allied Colloids awards Richard Alan the “outsourcing” contract for the manufacture and assembly of their polymer equipment. To support this an electrical, control and instrumentation department is established.

Birth of Richard Alan Group

1999

With a franchise from Cemo Pumps, South Africa, the creation of a new company, Pumps and Ancillaries, signifies the birth of the Richard Alan Group.

Scaffolding Company added

2005

Scaffolding Access Solutions is formed from the acquisition of SAS Bradford, adding the design and supply of scaffolding systems to the Group offering.

Aquisition

2007

Having expanded Richard Alan Engineering’s machining facility through the acquisitions of two local machining companies, South Leigh Engineering in 2000 and then Gary Dyson Engineering in 2003, the department is given its own identity and Ramco CNC is established.

Rebrand

2007

The Group undergoes an extensive rebranding exercise, establishing the now-iconic logo that is instantly recognisable as Richard Alan.

Richard Alan Water is Launched

2011

Richard Alan Engineering launches Richard Alan Water, a range of water and wastewater treatment equipment. It is the first complete product range designed and manufactured entirely in-house and is aimed predominantly at both private and public sector water intensive industries.

Apprenticeship Programme

2012

The Engineering Apprenticeship Programme begins with the appointment of 6 apprentices across the group. This programme continues with an intake of new apprentices, annually.

Exclusive licensing

2013

Exclusive licensing agreement, to manufacture and supply the BASF range of polymer handling, preparation and dosing equipment into the European Water market, is agreed.

Additional premesis

2013

Additional premises are secured on the Shaw Cross Business Park, immediately opposite the existing site. This facilitates expansion of the fabrication and assembly departments in line with growing customer demand.

Expansion

2014

Richard Alan’s design department rapidly expands to cope with demand and now boasts design engineers with specialisms in process, structural steelwork, storage & mixing tanks, pressure vessels, complex machines and electrical systems.

Largest single project

2015

Despite heavy competition Richard Alan secures its largest single project with the design, pre-fabrication and installation of process pipelines, installation of capital plant and equipment, and the installation of electrical, instrumentation and control systems for a prestigious new Bio-Acrylamide plant at BASF, Bradford. With a project value in excess of £5m, more than 120,000 man hours are delivered on the project over a nine month period.

Yilmaz UK is born

2015

Following a long and successful relationship with the Turkish gearbox manufacturer Yilmaz Redüktör and whilst retaining the sole UK franchise, a sister company to Pumps and Gearboxes is created to further strengthen the brand’s profile in this territory and Yilmaz UK is born.

Collaboration

2017

Standard product is developed for and in collaboration with Severn Trent Water, putting the Richard Alan equipment on their key supplier framework.

The Group is acquired by CorpAcq

2018

The Group is acquired by CorpAcq, a buy-and-build acquisitions group and long-term investor in many successful businesses. Day to day management of the Group remains with the incumbent directors and management team.

50 years in business

2020

Richard Alan celebrates 50 years in business. As for the future: new and exciting opportunities are never overlooked and are always approached with the “go for it” attitude that has characterised Richard Alan since 1970.

Our Company Values

Integrity

We operate with honesty and transparency in all our dealings.

Excellence

We strive for the highest standards in quality and performance.

Innovation

We embrace creativity and continuous improvement.

Collaboration

We work together to achieve common goals.

The Richard Alan Group of companies

The Richard Alan Group comprises several specialised companies:

Richard Alan Engineering: Provides comprehensive engineering solutions, including design, fabrication, and installation services.
Pumps & Gearboxes: Offers expertise in the supply, repair, and service of pumps, gearboxes, motors, and inverters.
Yilmaz UK Ltd: Serves as the UK assembly centre for European industrial gearbox manufacturer Yilmaz Reduktor.
Scaffolding Access Solutions: Specialises in the design, supply, and erection of scaffolding systems for various industries.

Together, these companies offer a comprehensive suite of engineering solutions, catering to diverse industrial needs.

The Group

Quality & Accreditations

Richard Alan is committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety. We are recognised for our adherence to industry regulations and our dedication to continuous improvement. Our accreditations and certifications reflect our commitment to delivering reliable and compliant engineering solutions to our clients.

Accreditations

Careers with Richard Alan

At Richard Alan, we value our people and recognise that our success is built on their skills and dedication. We offer a range of career opportunities across various disciplines, including engineering, design, fabrication, and support services. We are committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment that encourages professional growth and development. If you’re interested in joining our team, please visit our careers page for current opportunities.

Careers

Get In Touch

Want to know more about what we offer? Got a specific project you’d like to discuss? Then we’d really like to hear from you! Call us on: +44 (0)1924 467040 or contact us online using the button on the right