A Conveyor System Manufacturer with Decades of Proven Experience
Rhodes Systems International is an industrial systems engineering company defined by a legacy of delivering engineered solutions built around real-world manufacturing needs.
About Us
We are a proud American, product-driven company with roots dating back to 1961. Founded on innovation, craftsmanship, and integrity, RSI has spent more than six decades designing and delivering specialized material handling and conveyor solutions for manufacturers across a wide range of industries.
Our History
The Beginning
In 1961, Arthur J. Rhodes and his brother, Bernard Rhodes, founded A & B Products, Inc. in Chicago, Illinois. The company began as a specialized custom machine rebuilder, responding to a growing need for improved material handling and unit transport systems within manufacturing environments.
Prior to forming A & B Products, the Rhodes brothers owned and operated Harvest Furniture Company, a mass producer of leather, gold-leaf inlaid furniture. Their firsthand experience with production challenges revealed a clear demand for more efficient, reliable conveyor and transport systems, sparking the creation of a new kind of machinery-focused business.
A New Era of Innovation
Following the passing of Arthur J. Rhodes in 1971, his son Arthur Bernard Rhodes, known to all as Bernie, assumed leadership and rebranded the company as Rhodes Machinery International, Inc. (RMI) in 1972. Under Bernie’s direction, RMI evolved into a custom machinery builder specializing in application-specific material handling equipment and systems.
In 1979, Bernie invented what would become two of the most influential systems in the industry: the Rhodes Towline Floor Conveyor and the Rhodes Highline Overhead Conveyor. These groundbreaking designs quickly gained recognition and are now widely regarded as industry standards across manufacturing and finishing operations worldwide.
A Legacy of Patents and Progress
Innovation remained at the heart of the company as Bernie and his son Arthur Bernard Rhodes II (“Art”) worked together to advance the business. Art joined the company in 1981 as National Sales Manager and later became Vice President in 1996.
Together, they were awarded twenty-three (23) United States patents and four (4) international patents for their pioneering work in conveyor system design. By the turn of the millennium, Rhodes systems had been installed in over 1,200 finishing lines, transport systems, and assembly operations worldwide.
Transition and Growth
In 2004, due to advanced Parkinson’s disease, Bernie retired from the company, passing leadership fully to Art Rhodes II. Art continued to expand the business, developing additional patented innovations while preserving the founding principles of quality, integrity, and forward-thinking design. Bernie Rhodes passed away in 2015 at the age of 79, leaving behind a lasting legacy carried forward by his son.
As the company shifted its focus entirely into complete systems solutions, Art rebranded the organization in 2006 as Rhodes Systems International, Inc. (RSI), modernizing the company’s image and refining its identity within the industry. Since then, RSI has been recognized by customers and suppliers alike simply as RSI.
Partnership and New Leadership
In 2016, Kimberly Miller joined RSI as a business partner, a strategic move that enabled the company to expand its operational reach, modernize internal processes, and strengthen its position within the manufacturing sector. Her leadership helped usher RSI into a new phase of growth, stability, and organizational advancement.
Prior to forming A & B Products, the Rhodes brothers owned and operated Harvest Furniture Company, a mass producer of leather, gold-leaf inlaid furniture. Their firsthand experience with production challenges revealed a clear demand for more efficient, reliable conveyor and transport systems, sparking the creation of a new kind of machinery-focused business.
RSI Today
As of 2026, Rhodes Systems International continues its legacy under Kimberly Miller’s ownership, delivering fully customized material handling solutions backed by exceptional service, accountability, and industry expertise.
Every system we design is engineered specifically for your facility, process, and production goals. From conveyor systems and finishing lines to custom expansions and specialized equipment, our in-house engineering and fabrication teams deliver durable, high-performance solutions built to maximize long-term value.
Founded on principles of honesty, integrity, and respect, RSI remains committed to providing reliable systems that perform in demanding industrial environments for generations.