Member Article

A lesson in success from Rixonway Kitchens

Students from Mirfield Free Grammar School were treated to a lesson in manufacturing success when they visited the Rixonway factory in Dewsbury.

Nine Business Studies students and their teacher visited the state-of-the-art factory to learn about the business and the different career opportunities at Rixonway, one of the largest kitchen manufacturers working in affordable and social housing.

Rixonway Kitchens is one of the leading employers in the local area, with a workforce of more than 500. The company plays a vital role in tackling worklessness and providing training opportunities for the local community and the school visit was the first of a series of planned school visits and a larger work experience initiative to help local people to improve their skills and employment chances.

Chief executive Paul Rose gave a presentation detailing his personal background and the history of the business, before holding a question-and-answer session. The students then took a tour of the factory floor, learning about different machinery, departments and the manufacturing process, as well as the wide range of career options available, from logistics to IT, marketing and kitchen design.

Sarah Arundel, head of department business studies at Mirfield, said: “Our students jumped at the chance to visit Rixonway’s factory and see how a successful manufacturer works on a daily basis. With many of our pupils beginning to think about which career path to take, the opportunity to meet local employers and get a feel for different workplaces is incredibly important and we look forward to working with Rixonway in the future.”

Paul Rose, chief executive of Rixonway, said: “Rixonway has always been dedicated to working with the local community to provide work experience opportunities and training to students and young people. We partner with local schools and education providers to enable students to experience different workplaces before they leave school and consider their career options.

“With unemployment amongst young people so high, anything we can do to support the future generation, whether through workshops, presentations or factory tours such as these, I believe it is vital, and we take our role in providing these opportunities very seriously.”

Rixonway manufactures around 18,000 units per week and recently announced new contract wins worth £6m to supply kitchens to homes in London and the South East. The company increased turnover by 36% in the first quarter of this year.

Rixonway works with local education providers and Young Offenders Institutes with the aim of tackling unemployment, particularly amongst young people. The company has a dedicated apprenticeship drive and currently employs eight apprentices in a range of roles.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Rebecca Jackson .