Our Story.
Seventy-Four Years. Four Generations. One Legacy.
1951
Foundations of a Family Businesss
After World War II, Bill Russell began working in textile and materials trading before founding W.G. Russell & Company (London) Ltd in 1951. From a small London office, the company expanded into sourcing industrial machinery, vehicles, and equipment for developing nations seeking infrastructure growth after independence.
1950s - 60s
A Local Yard with a Global Vision
The company began by exporting refurbished ex-government machinery and equipment from the UK to clients across Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. As demand grew, operations expanded with additional staff and new facilities, eventually relocating to larger premises to support continued growth.
1970s - 80s
Family Changes and a Sudden Loss
In the early 1980s, following the death of founder Bill Russell, the company faced significant challenges, including financial difficulties that put its future at risk.
1981
A New Chapter Begins
Leadership transitioned to Don and Celia Martin (nee Russell) , who worked to revive the company. After a challenging first year, they secured a breakthrough order that marked the beginning of renewed growth.
1982 - 90s
Breakthrough in the Caribbean
The company’s first major order established a strong trading relationship with the Caribbean, supplying markets in Trinidad, Barbados, Antigua, Dominica, St. Lucia, and beyond. W.G. Russell later expanded into the Guyanese rice trade, managing sales into Europe.
1990s
Rice Trade Expansion into Europe
What began with a small shipment soon grew into large-scale trade, supplying one of Europe’s major milling groups. By 2016, W.G. Russell was delivering over 200,000 metric tons of rice annually.
Mid 90s
Seizing Trade Law Opportunities
To capitalise on duty-free access to Europe, W.G. Russell helped establish a rice mill in Montserrat, a UK Overseas Territory. The operation ran successfully for several years before being brought to an end by a volcanic eruption.
Late 90s - 2000s
Diversification and Shifting Tides
The company later operated a soap processing plant in Guyana for nearly a decade, while also navigating changes in the rice industry and the loss of long-standing clients. These shifts marked another turning point in its history.
Early 2000s
A Fortuitous Phone Call
A new chapter began when W.G. Russell was invited to represent a Guyanese rice producer in Europe, leading to a long-term trading partnership.
2000s - Today
A Resilient Partnership and a Renewed Focus
Today, Hakh is Guyana’s largest rice company, with W.G. Russell (now Russell Martin Ltd) handling the majority of its sales into Europe. In addition to rice, the company also supplies agricultural machinery, vehicles, spare parts, fertilizer, and manages European trading operations.
1982 - 90s
A Family Legacy, A Future in Motion
In 2025, the fourth generation, George, joined the business, bringing fresh energy, modern strategy, and a focus on long-term growth across both established and emerging markets.