90 Years of Bringing Structures To Life

Tracing our roots back to 1935, Altrad RMD Kwikform has been at the forefront of temporary works solutions for 90 years, delivering expertise in above and below ground temporary works systems to support the global construction industry. Our history is a rich tapestry of pioneering engineering, innovation, and strategic growth, shaped by two key industry leaders: Mills Scaffolding (Kwikform) and The Douglas Group (RMD).

Learn more about our journey by viewing the timeline below:

Early Foundations (1930s–1940s)

Mills Scaffolding Company is founded, which would later become Kwikform UK.

1935

Early Foundations (1930s–1940s)

Sir Robert McCallum Douglas OBE, establishes The Douglas Group (R.M. Douglas Holdings Ltd), which included R.M. Douglas Construction Ltd as a key subsidiary.

1930s

Early Foundations (1930s–1940s)

Facing a post-war timber shortage, R.M. Douglas Construction Ltd pioneers steel panel formwork formally creating creates Rapid Metal Developments Ltd (RMD) subsidiary in 1948.

1947

Expansion & Innovation (1950s–1970s)

RMD expands internationally into Ireland, Australia, New Zealand & UAE.

1952 - 1978

Expansion & Innovation (1950s–1970s)

RMD receives Queen’s Award to Industry for engineering excellence.

1975

Growth & Mergers (1980s–1999)

Mills Scaffolding acquired by GKN plc, and rebrands as GKN Kwikform.

1983

Growth & Mergers (1980s–1999)

RMD’s most renowned products developed including Rapid Ply, Rapid Bar Tie, Superslim Soldiers, and Megashor.

1980s - 1990s

Growth & Mergers (1980s–1999)

Douglas Group merges with Tilbury Lighterage Company Limited, forming Tilbury Douglas.

1991

Growth & Mergers (1980s–1999)

Kwikform was acquired from GKN plc by Bandt Plc and renamed Kwikform UK Ltd.

1995

Growth & Mergers (1980s–1999)

RMD and Kwikform UK Ltd merge, forming RMD Kwikform.

1999

Global Expansion & Technological Advancements (2000s–2020)

RMD Kwikform expands into Oman, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, the USA, India, and Singapore.

2000s

Global Expansion & Technological Advancements (2000s–2020)

Tilbury Douglas re-brands as Interserve.

2001

Global Expansion & Technological Advancements (2000s–2020)

RMD Kwikform awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise: International Trade, presented by HRH The Princess Royal.

2010

Global Expansion & Technological Advancements (2000s–2020)

Introduction of virtual & augmented reality and a dedicated team of in-house developers.

2013

Global Expansion & Technological Advancements (2000s–2020)

Expansion into the Ground Shoring market, becoming a leading provider of both above- and below-ground temporary works solutions.

2015

A New Era: Altrad RMD Kwikform (2021–Present)

RMD Kwikform acquired by the Altrad Group

2021

A New Era: Altrad RMD Kwikform (2021–Present)

Altrad RMD Kwikform wins Ground Engineering Technical Excellence Award

2023

A New Era: Altrad RMD Kwikform (2021–Present)

Altrad RMD Kwikform continue to invest into the development and launch of new and innovative products.

2024

A New Era: Altrad RMD Kwikform (2021–Present)

Altrad RMD Kwikform celebrates 10 years since entering the Ground Shoring market

2025

Customer Testimonials

“My personal relationship with Altrad RMD Kwikform goes back to 1986. Since Adana Construction was established in 2000, that connection has continued to grow and over the past 25 years, we have successfully delivered more than 90 projects together! The partnership between our companies has been built on collaboration, trust, and shared commitment to finding safe and practical solutions. Congratulations from myself and all at Adana Construction on 90 years of industry leadership. We look forward to working together on more successful projects in the future!” Joe Jassim
Owner, Adana Construction Ltd

“Congratulations to Altrad RMD Kwikform on celebrating 90 years of engineering excellence. Their megashor system played a vital part of our recent refurbishment project - ensuring the structural stability of the building. It's great to work with a reliable team that combine deep expertise and genuine support. We look forward to our continued partnership on future projects.” Ben Hall
Director, BH Civil Engineering

“Congratulations to Altrad RMD Kwikform on 90 remarkable years! We’ve worked together for many years, relying on their innovative falsework systems and expert support. Their commitment to safety, quality, and engineering excellence has made them a trusted partner in our projects. Here’s to continued success and collaboration in the years ahead.” Sarah Bloom
Procurement Director, Stephenson Group

“Reaching 90 years is a remarkable achievement and a testament to Altrad RMD Kwikform’s continued commitment to the industry. Since 2010, they’ve been a key partner on around 20 of our high-rise projects, providing not just Maxima wall panels & Airodek decking systems, but dependable engineering support and a responsive team we can count on. We look forward to continuing the journey together.” Paul McKillop
Contracts Manager, Renaker Build

“We’ve used Altrad RMD Kwikform’s tried-and-tested Paraslim system on over 150 bridges across 20 years. Their engineering support is second to none – special thanks to Trevor Jenkins and his team. On the Sunderland Wear footbridge, Andrew Jones provided an innovative bespoke design solution that helped overcome a number of complex challenges. Congratulations to the team on 90 years of innovation – a real testament to their lasting value in the industry.” Andy Lambert
Contracts Director, Sword Construction UK Limited

Long Service Stories

Historic Photographs

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