RK International Machine Tools
RK International Machine Tools is a UK-based specialist distributor of new and used industrial machine tools (grinding, turning, milling, drilling, fabrication) serving aerospace, defence, and precision engineering manufacturers across the UK, Ireland, and worldwide export markets since 1951.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1951
- HeadquartersKent, United Kingdom
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What RK International Machine Tools does
RK International Machine Tools Limited is a UK-based specialist distributor of new and used industrial machine tools, operating from its headquarters in Erith, Kent since its founding in 1951. The company supplies grinding (JAINNHER, ROBBI, DELTA, PERFECT), turning (Colchester CNC and manual lathes), milling (Colchester Storm, Bridgeport, Hardinge), drilling (FLOTT, Arboga, ERLO, Kitchen & Walker), fabrication (HACO press brakes and guillotine shears), and threading equipment (VÖLKEL), alongside used machinery inventory and service manuals. It holds long-tenured exclusive distribution rights in the UK for several European and Asian manufacturers, most notably a 30+ year partnership with JAINNHER (Taiwan) and sole UK distributorship for ROBBI (Italy) for over 15 years.
The business model combines one-time capex sales of new and used machines, recurring aftersales service contracts, preventative maintenance, spare parts, training, and factory clearance and asset removal services. Distribution is direct, served by an enterprise field sales motion across the UK and Ireland with worldwide export capability and a demonstration facility at Kent. Pricing is quote-based with Net 30 terms for approved accounts and a £45 net minimum order. The primary customer base is industrial manufacturers in aerospace and defence (MOD, Babcock, BAE Systems), oil and gas, nuclear, automotive, and precision engineering, with a secondary segment in educational institutions.
The company is independently owned as a family business with no disclosed external investors, parent entity, or subsidiaries. Management is led by Simon Rood (Director and General Manager) and Dick Aldrich (Sales Director). Revenue is not publicly disclosed. Recent strategic activity has centred on bundled promotions (FLOTT+VÖLKEL), control system upgrades (HACO EASYBEND), and integrated grinding solutions (JAINNHER+DK Holdings), with no reported acquisitions, leadership turnover, or restructuring.
RK International Machine Tools firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- RK International Machine Tools
- Legal name
- RK International Machine Tools Limited
- Website
- https://rk-int.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1951
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- RK International Machine Tools is a UK-based specialist distributor of new and used industrial machine tools (grinding, turning, milling, drilling, fabrication) serving aerospace, defence, and precision engineering manufacturers across the UK, Ireland, and worldwide export markets since 1951.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
RK International Machine Tools industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Industrial Machine Tools
- NAICS
- Machine Tool Manufacturing (333517), Metalworking Machinery Manufacturing (33351)
- SIC
- Metalworkg Machinery & Equipment (3540), Machine Tools, Metal Cutting Types (3541)
- akta.pro primary industry
- CNC Machine Tools (Turning, Milling, Machining Centers) (IMAHADAA)
Keywords
Where RK International Machine Tools is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Kent
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
RK International Machine Tools business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- New Machine Tool Sales: Sale of new CNC and manual machine tools including grinding machines, lathes, milling machines, machining centres, and fabrication equipment from branded manufacturers.
- Used Machine Tool Sales: Sale of used and pre-owned machine tools from their Kent facility stock.
- Aftersales Support and Service: Full aftersales support including preventative maintenance, breakdowns, servicing, spare parts, delivery and installations, and training solutions.
- Service Contracts: Machine tool servicing contracts and maintenance agreements.
- Asset Removal and Factory Clearance: Machinery purchasing, factory clearing, and full asset removal services.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Standard order minimum |
| Other | Monthly | Credit terms for approved accounts |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels5 records
RK International Machine Tools product offering
Product offeringCore offering
RK International Machine Tools is a specialist supplier of new and used industrial machine tools, including grinding, turning, milling, drilling, and fabrication machinery, sourced from partner manufacturers across Europe and Asia. The company serves industrial manufacturers in the UK and Ireland, including aerospace, defence, and precision engineering sectors, and provides aftersales service, technical support, and spare parts for its installed base.
Product overview
RK International Machine Tools is a UK-based specialist supplier of industrial machine tools, operating as a distributor of multiple branded products rather than a single unified platform. The core offering centres on precision grinding machinery (JAINNHER centreless grinders, ROBBI cylindrical/grinding machines, DELTA and PERFECT surface grinders) complemented by turning equipment (Colchester CNC and manual lathes), fabrication machinery (HACO press brakes and guillotine shears), and drilling machines (Flott, Arboga, ERLO brands). The company also supplies used machine tools and provides comprehensive aftersales support including servicing, training, and spare parts. Products are organized around industrial manufacturing applications rather than a modular software architecture.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Grinding Machines New and used industrial grinding equipment (cylindrical, surface, tool and cutter grinders) supplied to UK manufacturers, sourced from JAINNHER, DELTA, and PERFECT.
- Turning Machines (Lathes) New and used turning machines and lathes, including Colchester-brand products, supplied for precision engineering workshops and production lines.
- Milling Machines Industrial milling machines supplied for manufacturing operations, sourced from partner manufacturers in Europe and Asia.
- Drilling Machines Industrial drilling equipment supplied for production workshops across the UK and Ireland.
- Fabrication Machinery Fabrication equipment supplied to industrial manufacturers for metalworking and production needs.
- Used & Reconditioned Machine Tools Pre-owned and refurbished grinding, turning, milling, drilling, and fabrication machinery offered as a cost-effective alternative for smaller manufacturers.
- Aftersales Service & Spare Parts Technical service, maintenance, and spare parts supply supporting the installed base of grinding, turning, milling, drilling, and fabrication equipment.
Companies that use RK International Machine Tools
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments2 records
Ideal customer profiles1 record
RK International Machine Tools technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
RK International Machine Tools partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- JAINNHERcore30+ year partnership with Taiwanese manufacturer JAINNHER, supplying centreless grinding machines including JHC Series with configurations from manual to CNC with FANUC control, up to 8-axis machines.
- DK Holdings LtdcoreKent-based manufacturer of precision diamond tooling (since 1959) supplying bespoke diamond and CBN profile wheels for challenging materials. Partnership for advanced grinding solutions combining JAINNHER machines with DK Holdings tooling.
- FLOTT (Arnz FLOTT GmbH)coreGerman manufacturer of high-quality drilling, sawing, and grinding machines since 1854. RK International partners with FLOTT for UK distribution of bench drills, pedestal drills, and double-ended grinding machines.
- VÖLKELminorGerman manufacturer with 100+ years experience in tap manufacturing, supplying standard threading tools available from stock to over 70 countries.
- HACOcoreBelgian manufacturer of press brakes, guillotine shears, and sheet metal processing equipment. RK International distributes Synchromaster and Optiform CNC press brakes with EASYBEND control systems.
- ROBBIcoreItalian manufacturer (near Verona) of precision universal, plain, and internal grinding machines since 1980s. RK International is sole UK distributor for full ROBBI range including Omicron series.
- DELTAcoreItalian manufacturer of precision grinding machines including surface grinders and rotary table machines. Partnership for travelling column and surface grinding solutions.
- PERFECTcoreManufacturer of surface grinders and multi-axis grinding machines. Partnership for toolroom and production grinding applications.
- Colchester Machine Tools UKcoreUK supplier of Colchester lathe products including Mascot VS, Student VS, and Tornado CNC lathes. RK International distributes manual and CNC turning solutions.
- Haas AutomationminorUS manufacturer of CNC machining centres and CNC lathes. RK International offers used Haas equipment including VF series VMCs and ST series CNC lathes.
- ERLO (Erlo Drills)minorSpanish manufacturer of heavy-duty drilling machines with 40mm to 70mm capacities. Distribution of ERLO A Series and B Series production drills.
- GrindingHubminorIndustry exhibition for grinding technology. RK International partners to showcase latest grinding solutions at GrindingHub 2026.
- Google ReviewsminorThird-party review platform for customer testimonials and social proof.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
RK International Machine Tools competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Haas Automation: US-based leading CNC machine tool manufacturer producing vertical machining centres and CNC lathes; RK International actively trades used Haas equipment, and Haas addresses the same UK aerospace, defence and precision engineering customers.
- DMG MORI: Global machine tool manufacturer (German-Japanese) producing CNC turning, milling and additive systems; a broad incumbent serving the same aerospace, defence and precision engineering end markets via direct and distributor channels.
- Okuma: Japanese manufacturer of CNC lathes, machining centres and multitasking machines; broad incumbent serving precision engineering, aerospace and defence end markets comparable to RK International's UK and Ireland customer base.
- Makino: Japanese CNC machine tool manufacturer producing machining centres, EDM and grinding systems for aerospace, defence and precision engineering customers — comparable high-precision product overlap with RK International's grinding and machining centre lines.
- Hurco Companies: US-based CNC machine tool manufacturer producing vertical machining centres, lathes and 5-axis machines for industrial customers including aerospace and defence suppliers — comparable end customers and product category breadth.
- TRUMPF: German manufacturer of sheet metal processing machinery including press brakes and guillotines; directly comparable to RK International's HACO fabrication lines and overlapping customer base in UK sheet metal fabricators.
- Mazak Corporation: Japanese manufacturer of CNC lathes, machining centres and multi-tasking machines; a major global machine tool brand that competes for the same UK industrial customer wallet that RK International serves with its grinding, turning and milling lines.
- 600 Group: UK-listed machine tool manufacturer and distributor owning Colchester, Harrison, Pratt and Jones & Shipman brands; both an incumbent competitor and the source of the Colchester product lines that RK International distributes in the UK.
Direct peers
- XYZ Machine Tools: UK-based machine tool supplier of manual and CNC lathes, milling machines and machining centres with service and training support — comparable specialist distributor serving the same industrial customer base and overlapping product categories.
- Mills CNC: Sole UK distributor for Mazak CNC machine tools, lathes, machining centres and automation with full aftersales and training support — operates an essentially identical specialist distributor model to RK International across the UK and Ireland.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
RK International Machine Tools social profiles
Digital presenceRK International Machine Tools financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
RK International Machine Tools leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
RK International Machine Tools funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
RK International Machine Tools M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about RK International Machine Tools
What does RK International Machine Tools do?
RK International Machine Tools is a specialist supplier of new and used industrial machine tools, including grinding, turning, milling, drilling, and fabrication machinery, sourced from partner manufacturers across Europe and Asia. The company serves industrial manufacturers in the UK and Ireland, including aerospace, defence, and precision engineering sectors, and provides aftersales service, technical support, and spare parts for its installed base.
Is RK International Machine Tools a public or private company?
RK International Machine Tools is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was RK International Machine Tools founded?
RK International Machine Tools was founded in 1951. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is RK International Machine Tools based?
RK International Machine Tools is headquartered in Kent, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does RK International Machine Tools make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. New Machine Tool Sales are the primary driver. The others are used Machine Tool Sales, aftersales Support and Service, service Contracts and asset Removal and Factory Clearance.
Who are RK International Machine Tools's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Haas Automation, DMG MORI, Okuma, Makino, Hurco Companies, TRUMPF, Mazak Corporation and 600 Group. Direct peers are XYZ Machine Tools and Mills CNC.
Does RK International Machine Tools have an API?
No public API is recorded for RK International Machine Tools.
What industry is RK International Machine Tools in?
RK International Machine Tools's product category is Industrial Machine Tools. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAHADAA, CNC Machine Tools (Turning, Milling, Machining Centers). Its NAICS code is 333517 and its SIC code is 3540.