Josh Valman was formerly the CEO of RPDK, an innovative business with a global reach that designs, develops, and manufactures products for companies seeking to leverage cutting-edge ideas, processes, and international markets. In 2023, Josh sold his business, RPD, to Kinara International, where he continued to run the newly named... Read more
Josh Valman was formerly the CEO of RPDK, an innovative business with a global reach that designs, develops, and manufactures products for companies seeking to leverage cutting-edge ideas, processes, and international markets. In 2023, Josh sold his business, RPD, to Kinara International, where he continued to run the newly named RPDK as part of the global manufacturing group.
At 10, Valman designed his first robot. At 13, he sent off his designs and his £500 life savings to a factory in China to make the components. By 15, he was working as a freelance engineering and supply chain consultant, taking conference calls with China after school. Five years later, his company employed over 60 people worldwide, supplying some of the world’s largest manufacturing businesses from over 100 factories.
RPDK operated a global network of people and facilities, combining expertise from heavy and precision engineering to sculptors and artists, with manufacturers specializing in diverse areas. This ‘distributed creativity’ model pooled various talents and experiences. The network of factories allowed RPDK to produce anything from unique prototypes to runs of a million units for clients ranging from airlines to hotels.
Covering everything from problem-solving to market disruption, manufacturing and supply chain processes to R&D and innovation, as well as the internet of things, wearable technology, and the 3D printing revolution, Valman continues to explore how manufacturing is changing and shaping the world.