The elite of the UK manufacturing community came together on November 2 to celebrate The Manufacturer MX Awards 2016.
More than 850 people attended the sold out, gala dinner and award ceremony, delivered in a partnership between The Manufacturer and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), which merged their respective awards programmes in 2015.
The Manufacturer MX Awards is an annual occasion dedicated to encouraging and promoting competitive manufacturing in the UK, and celebrating the very best in the industry annually.
This year the event was the culmination of an intense four-month judging period, where the more than 40 hand-picked, experienced judges, collectively travelled over 10,000 miles in order to benchmark the companies.
Supported by several industry sponsors, including NatWest, which has been supporting the event for 10 consecutive years, the celebration attracted manufacturing business of all sizes, engaged in a diverse range of activities, across 14 categories.
Republican party nominee, Donald Trump, and Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Boris Johnson, managed to say a few words, thanks to a fantastic performance from comedian and impressionist, Rory Bremner, who kicked off The Manufacturer MX Awards proceedings at the Vox in Birmingham.
And the TMMX Awards winners are…
The announcement of the successful finalists culminated in the reveal of the winners of the prestigious Manufacturer of the Year Award 2016, which was picked up by Dura Automotive Systems.
Dura is an independent designer and manufacturer of driver control systems, seating control systems, safety hardware, structural body systems, exterior trim and integrated glass systems. The firm also picked up three other awards: People & Skills; World Class Manufacturing; and Sustainable Manufacturing.
Martin Dinsley, Plant Manager at Dura Automotive Body and Glass said: “A lot of people have put a great amount of hard work and effort in. It is amazing to be recognised in such a spectacular way.
“We entered three awards and have come away with four – we are absolutely delighted. This is for everybody’s hard work. There are many different teams that have worked really hard to make this possible.”
Philippa Oldham, head of Manufacturing at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, said: “The TMMX Awards showcase the amazing vibrancy and talent in UK manufacturing and I’d like to congratulate all of this year’s winners.
“Manufacturing is at the heart of the UK’s economy, and these awards not only recognise outstanding achievements, but also help drive improvements in business practices of all the companies involved.”
Richard Hill, head of Automotive and Manufacturing at NatWest, headline sponsor for the event, told TM: “Manufacturing remains a key focus for us and we’re delighted to be continuing our support of The Manufacturer MX Awards.
“The awards programme and the gala ceremony are an incredible reflection of the diversity, innovation and expertise that British manufacturing has to offer. Our team of manufacturing specialists, who are based across the UK, will continue to work closely with the manufacturing industry to help support and stimulate more of this great work.
“I’d like to congratulate all the participants, and specifically the winners, for their achievements and also for their contribution to the sector and the UK’s prosperity as a whole.”
Check the photos from the evening here.
Full list of The Manufacturer MX Award winners!
The Manufacturer of the Year 2016
Dura Automotive Systems, manufacturers high quality body parts and windows for automotive clients.
The Manufacturer of the Year Runners Up
The Autins Group, as specialists in noise and heat management, which offers a complete solution to acoustic, thermal and NVH manufacturing needs.
Siemens Plc, one of the world’s largest producers of energy-efficient, resource-saving technologies.
Innovation & Design
Winner: Xaar Plc
Highly Commended: McLaren Automotive Ltd, which manufactures some of the most iconic cars in the world, reflecting excellence in design, engineering and manufacturing.
Partnership with Education
GE Aviation, a world-leading provider of jet engines, components and integrated systems for commercial and military aircraft.
People & Skills
Dura Automotive
Supply Chain Excellence
Winner: Lander Automotive, has been manufacturing tubular structures, fluid and air carrying pipes, and interior trim since 1950.
Highly Commended: Coty Manufacturing UK, one of the world’s leading beauty companies, its proactive strategy towards automation has created a cutting-edge plant producing output for the UK and global markets
Through-life Engineering Services
Leonardo Airborne and Space Systems, makes defence electronics such as RADAR and surveillance equipment.
Customer Focus
Coty Manufacturing UK
Young Manufacturer of the Year
Andrew Williams, production engineer at Vaillant Group UK
Apprentice of the Year
Andrew Batsford, engineering apprentice, Stadco Ltd
Lifetime Achievement
Gareth Humphreys MBE, apprentice training manager at MBDA
World Class Manufacturing
Dura Automotive
Sustainable Manufacturing
Dura Automotive
Leadership & Strategy
Winner: Hayward Tyler Group Ltd, is a family-run, small manufacturing firm making lifts and vehicle mounted cranes in Chesterfield.
Highly Commended: Coty Manufacturing UK
Smart Factory
Hayward Tyler Group Ltd
Manufacturing in Action
McLaren Automotive Ltd
For more information on The Manufacturer MX Awards process, click here.
Check out the best bits from The Manufacturer MX Awards in the video below!
https://youtu.be/Y9CkC8vtfpY