Company History
Rodo was founded in Ashton under Lyne, Manchester, in 1926, producing brushes and brooms for various trades. By the 1940s the company had expanded into decorating sundries and a new line: industrial clothing.
The 1970s and 80s saw further expansion of the clothing ranges, with painters’ workwear and high visibility garments being added, and it was during this time that Rodo began to explore the potential of a country that begun recently to put serious focus and investment into foreign trade: China.
In 2005 Rodo recognised the emerging trend for purpose-designed workwear for tradesmen. Ranges of clothing and safety footwear were introduced in the new Blackrock brand, which is now distributed in national and independent merchants throughout the UK.
As the brand has grown so has the product range: hi-vis clothing, casual workwear, decorator’s whites, thermals and personal protective equipment are all sold under Blackrock. Nothing is done however with compromise on quality and where required the products carry full certification to appropriate international (EN) standards.
Today Rodo has over 100 employees and operates sites in Ashton under Lyne and Droylsden, remaining true to its east Manchester roots.
