Colson Group, the largest global manufacturer and supplier of caster, wheel and mobility solutions, announced today the expansion of Darren Taylor-Ridge’s, director of global operational excellence, role with the company. He will continue to provide support to Colson Group’s U.K. production team, while also increasing his support to global projects in North America and Asia to drive quality, health, safety, environment and customer service improvements.

Reporting to Colson Group Chief Operating Officer Christopher Cummins, Taylor-Ridge’s expanded role now includes leading global initiatives to improve customer service, quality, health and safety and productivity of the company’s operations in the U.K., China and the United States. He will be based in Colson Group’s China operations and spend time at the Saint Joseph, Michigan, distribution center.

“We are thrilled to expand Darren’s role,” said Cummins. “This move helps us better leverage his experience and expertise to continue to bring Colson together as one company and supports our goal of unmatched customer service and quality leadership.”

Taylor-Ridge joined Colson Group in April 2015 with responsibilities focused on production, health and safety, environmental and quality initiatives. During his time with the company, he has driven several process improvements in lead time, scrap reduction and the working environment. Taylor-Ridge also has been implementing lean methods to drive continuous improvements in all areas of the business.

Prior to joining Colson Group, he spent 14 years serving in the Armed Forces Infantry and six years in the Army Reserve. He then worked in manufacturing roles at Josiah Wedgwood & Sons Ltd. and other manufacturing companies.

Taylor-Ridge earned a bachelor’s degree in business management from Manchester Metropolitan University in the U.K. and a Master of Science degree in occupational safety and health technology from the University of Birmingham in the U.K.

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About Colson Group:

Colson Group is the largest manufacturer and supplier of caster and wheel products in the world. Over 1,600 global employees support Colson Group’s leading product portfolio and proprietary global value chain. World renowned brands, such as: Colson, Albion, Shepherd, Jarvis, MedCaster, Rhombus, Revvo, Flexello, Pemco, and Faultless are manufactured and marketed around the world through Colson Group’s 25 global facilities – where over 192,000 products are shipped daily. For more information, visit colsongroup.com.

Colson Group Holdings LLC announced today it has acquired a majority of the assets of Colson Castors Limited (in administration) through its new subsidiary, Colson UK Limited. Colson UK Limited will manage the business at its current location in West Bromwich while it arranges to relocate the assets purchased to a new location in the area. Included in the assets purchased are all of the Colson Castors Limited brands.

“We are pleased the Colson Group bid was successful and look forward to transitioning the business to our new company,” said Tom Blashill, Colson Group CEO. “Our experienced team in the UK is committed to providing outstanding products and support to our customers in a structure that will support their future success.”

Colson Castors Limited entered administration in December 2016 with Grant Thornton UK LLP acting as administrators. A sale process took place while the company was in administration. Joint Administrator, Eddie Williams commented: “I am very pleased to conclude the sale of the majority of the assets to Colson UK Limited, which delivers the best outcome for the Company’s creditors and stakeholders.” The Joint Administrators will now market the company’s freehold property and residual assets, to maximize the return to creditors.

“We are looking forward to growing our business and servicing our customers,” said General Manager and Finance Director of Colson UK Limited, John Smithies. “Our core team remains in place to continue to provide the high level of customer service our customers expect.”

“The UK plays an integral role in our global customer supply chain process,” said Colson UK Sourcing and Operations Director, Jayne Simonds. “Our highly qualified supply chain team will work to ensure there are no interruptions in product delivery, as our new company allows us to continue to leverage Colson Group’s supply chain strengths.”