About Us

Founded by Mr James Rhodes and Mr Thomas Beadle in 1968 R&B Rockdrillers has seen huge growth over its 50 year history. Originally created to service one local quarry the company now provides drilling and blasting services for 15 to 20 quarries primarily in the Yorkshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire regions. This growth coupled with advancements in technology has seen the company invest in the latest profiling, drilling and blasting equipment to provide its customers with more cost effective and environmentally friendly services.

A large share of the company’s growth has occurred since the turn of the 21st century where it became one of the first companies in the UK to invest £1/4 million to purchase an Atlas Copco L8 drilling rig. R&B Rockdrillers have continued this investment strategy and now boasts a fleet consisting of 11 drilling rigs including 8 Epiroc (formerly Atlas Copco) D55 machines.

Since 2003 R&B Rockdrillers expansion and expertise has been overseen by its Owner and Managing Director Alan John Sharp. Alan has been part of the business since 1980 when he started as a drilling and maintenance supervisor and graduated through various roles before taking over as Managing Director.

R&B Rockdrillers takes pride in its long working relationships with the industry leaders in quarrying including but not limited to Tarmac (4 sites), FCC Environment (3 sites), Breedon (3 sites) and Lightwater Quarries (2 sites).

The lasting relationships with the above is in no small part down to the company’s highly skilled and experienced workforce. R&B Rockdrillers continually aim to provide the latest training to its staff from NVQ level 2 Drilling Operations to NEBOSH Certificate in Health and Safety.