Rapid Welding and Industrial Supplies Ltd
Rapid Welding & Industrial Supplies Ltd began trading as a welding distributor on 1st April 1990, based in Portchester in Portsmouth.
Rapid was established by Roy Edwards, an Aircraft Approved Welder and Rob Edwards, a Ministry Approved Senior Design Engineer. The two brothers saw a gap in the market and introduced Rapid with the market approach to offer generous discounts on quality products.
Rapid have been committed to the welding industry since 1990 and in this time major manufacturers have recognised our commitment and product loyalty. We have demonstrated our competence in welding distribution and aftersales to be officially appointed as agents for all our major suppliers and our award-winning website is one of the most comprehensive you will find with over 50,000 products, supplied to over 100 countries around the world. Our objective is to supply top quality products with a customer service second to none. With our proven track record and experience, we can provide top quality products, quality advice and above all a quality service all at a fair price.
Roy and Rob attribute the continued success of Rapid to having a great team of dedicated staff. Without their concerted efforts the continued growth would not be possible and sustainable. As Rapid has developed their offerings the number of employees exceeds 35. This includes several technical representatives who are based on the road covering Hampshire, West Sussex, Dorset and The Isle of Wight, implementing Rapid’s position as the South Coast’s leading welding supplier. As well as supplying welding equipment Rapid’s Service Department offers a complete range of services including planned maintenance, service contracts, adhoc repairs, servicing, validation and gas testing on all types of welding equipment.
The Rapid Group
In 2014 RentArc was introduced to the Rapid Group to enhance the hire offering. Working closely with Rapid they specialise in the hire of welding equipment. RentArc hire equipment for every application in the industry sector. Whether it’s a short-term hire or long-term contract on a large project they can provide the total package. In 2017 RentArc combined forces with Red-D-Arc to become their Southern Distributor to meet the welding requirements of the South of England. This strategic partnership has provided new and existing customers with the equipment they need - exactly where they need it - when they need it - in order to keep welders welding.
In September 2017 RentArc and the Rapid Service department moved to new premises in Hedge End, allowing for expansion in their services with additional space to increase working capacity. This has allowed Rapid’s site in Portchester to increase their capacity and hold further stock for a faster turnaround on all welding supplies.
2018 brings substantial changes to Rapid with the introduction of Stuart Rogers as Operations Director and Andy Doe as Sales Director. In March 2022 James Edwards joined the Senior Management Team as Service Director, as did Dave Austin as IT Director. We look forward to what the future has in store for everyone at Rapid and would like to thank our customers for their continual support.
Our values
At Rapid we believe in the principle of caring for the environment and continually strive to incorporate environmental good practice into our workplace. We take a sustainable approach to waste management and minimising our use of resources across the business. Where possible we recycle packaging to reduce our negative impact on the environment and improve our green credibility. We recognise our responsibility to do business in a manner that protects and improves the environment for our future generations.
Quality products, quality advice and above all, quality service ; This is the Rapid Experience!