Rope and Sling Specialists Launches Industrial Tools, Products and Services Division
30-Second Takeaway
Rope and Sling Specialists has launched an Industrial Tools, Products and Services division, expanding its UK sales, hire and technical support offering. Based at the company’s Netherton depot near Dudley, the new division will serve as a national stock and technical hub for specialist lifting, hydraulic and industrial equipment. The facility also supports RSS’s role as a Holmatro distributor and authorised service centre, including hydraulic cylinder testing and certification. RSS plans to develop Netherton further through 2027 into a centre of excellence for specialist equipment repair, testing and servicing.
Rope and Sling Specialists
Rope and Sling Specialists (RSS) has established a new Industrial Tools, Products and Services division, known as ITPS, at its Netherton facility. The division combines equipment sales and hire with technical advice and after-sales support, extending the company’s established lifting and rigging activities.
Its principal target markets include major infrastructure projects and blue-chip organisations requiring specialist equipment alongside engineered support.
Netherton will act as the division’s national stockroom and technical hub, supporting customers through RSS’s UK depot network.
Industrial Tooling Extends the Rigging Range
RSS already supplies blocks, shackles, hooks, slings and working-at-height equipment.
Through ITPS, it is broadening that offering to include additional industrial tooling, hydraulic equipment and specialist products.
Brands represented through the division include Allspeeds, Cyclops Global, Load Monitoring Systems, Modulift, Murlink, pewag, The Buddie System, Tagattach and Thern.
The expanded range gives customers access to equipment for different stages of lifting and industrial handling, supported by a central technical operation.
Paul Smith, ITPS Divisional Manager at RSS, said:
“The idea is to bring innovative, leading brands to customers across the UK through our nationwide depot network, supported by the ITPS stockroom here in Netherton.”
Holmatro Distribution and Authorised Servicing
The Netherton depot will also serve as RSS’s UK base for Holmatro hydraulic equipment.
RSS acts as an authorised service centre and distributor, supplying cylinders, pumps, hoses and associated components.
The facility combines product availability with technical support and servicing, giving customers a contact point for both equipment supply and ongoing maintenance requirements. This capability forms a significant part of the new division’s hydraulic equipment offering.
Dynamic Testing for Hydraulic Cylinders
RSS can dynamically test and certify hydraulic cylinders, including equipment manufactured by brands other than Holmatro. That capability broadens the service beyond the products RSS distributes, allowing customers to bring existing hydraulic equipment into the testing and support programme. The division’s combined sales, hire and service model is intended to support equipment throughout its working life, rather than ending with the initial purchase or rental.
Netherton Reorganised for the New Division
RSS has reorganised the Netherton site to accommodate ITPS, converting the upper floor for the division’s activities. The facility will hold stock and coordinate technical and after-sales support across the national operation. The central hub will work with regional depots, connecting local customer requirements with specialist products and expertise available through ITPS.
Centre of Excellence Planned Through 2027
RSS plans to continue developing Netherton through 2027, establishing a centre of excellence for repair, testing and servicing. The programme is intended to give customers a single point of technical support for specialist industrial equipment throughout its lifecycle.
The launch therefore brings together a broader product range and a longer-term investment in the servicing capabilities needed to support it.
About Rope and Sling Specialists
Rope and Sling Specialists is a UK provider of lifting and rigging equipment, services and training, operating through a nationwide depot network. Its equipment offering includes blocks, shackles, hooks, slings, harnesses and other lifting accessories. The company supports customers undertaking industrial handling and infrastructure work, with regional facilities providing access to equipment and technical services.
The new ITPS division extends that model into industrial tooling and specialist hydraulic products. Netherton will coordinate stock, technical support and after-sales services while developing additional repair and testing capabilities.
Official website: www.ropeandsling.co.uk
About Holmatro
Holmatro is a hydraulic equipment and systems supplier founded in the Netherlands in 1967.
Its products serve industrial, rescue and special tactics applications worldwide. The company develops hydraulic tools and integrated systems for work requiring controlled force, including lifting and positioning heavy loads.
RSS’s distributor and authorised service centre role connects Holmatro equipment with UK customers through product supply, technical advice and servicing from Netherton.
Official website: www.holmatro.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What is RSS’s new division called?
It is the Industrial Tools, Products and Services division, abbreviated to ITPS.
Where is ITPS based?
The division is based at RSS’s Netherton depot near Dudley.
What services will it provide?
ITPS will offer equipment sales, hire, technical support and after-sales services.
Can RSS test hydraulic cylinders from other manufacturers?
Yes. RSS says it can dynamically test and certify hydraulic cylinders, including units from manufacturers other than Holmatro.
What further development is planned?
RSS plans to develop Netherton through 2027 into a centre of excellence for specialist equipment repair, testing and servicing.
