The winners of The Manufacturer MX (TMMX) Awards 2026 have been announced at a black-tie ceremony and gala dinner at the Titanic Hotel Liverpool, celebrating the outstanding achievements of the UK’s manufacturing sector and the people and businesses driving it forward.
It has been another testing year for UK manufacturing. High industrial energy costs, global instability and shifting trade rules have continued to challenge businesses, yet the sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience. Across the industry, manufacturers have continued to innovate, invest in new technologies, develop their people and pursue operational excellence, reaffirming the ingenuity and determination that make UK manufacturing such an important part of the economy.
Against this backdrop, TMMX Awards provide an opportunity to recognise those achievements and shine a spotlight on the businesses and individuals setting the standard for manufacturing excellence. This year’s programme, delivered in partnership with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and headline sponsor Autodesk, is the biggest and most comprehensive yet, bringing together organisational and individual recognition through its collaboration with The Manufacturer Top 100.
Speaking on the night, Grace Gilling, Managing Director of The Manufacturer, reflected on the importance of recognising the sector’s achievements: “The ability to innovate, problem-solve, and lead through uncertainty remains one of the industry’s greatest strengths, and tonight we recognise those achievements.”
Whether you’re leaving tonight with a trophy or not, I hope you’re proud of what you’ve achieved. Being named a TMMX finalist is an achievement in itself. You’ve taken the time to share your story, showcase your achievements, and contribute to raising the bar for this industry as a whole, and that’s something worth recognising.
Grace Gilling, Managing Director, The Manufacturer
From ambitious SMEs to established global manufacturers, this year’s finalists demonstrate the breadth of talent, innovation and commitment that exists across UK industry. Each has undergone a rigorous judging process, with the awards recognising not only outstanding results but also the leadership, people, strategies and innovations that make them possible.
On behalf of The Manufacturer and IMechE, we extend our congratulations to all the finalists and winners, and our thanks to the judges, sponsors and partners whose contributions make the programme possible.
The Manufacturer Live
TMMX Awards are part of The Manufacturer Live, the award-winning annual gathering of the manufacturing industry in November to share knowledge, celebrate success, reconnect and grow networks.
Comprising Manufacturing Leaders’ Summit, TMMX Awards, and The Manufacturer Directors’ Forum, The Manufacturer Live is designed for senior leadership teams, with content covering the broad spectrum of subjects that manufacturing executive teams are prioritising to grow their businesses in the current climate.
Find out more here: The Manufacturer Live
Now, for this year’s TMMX Awards winners (click to reveal):
LISI Aerospace (Blanc Aero Industries UK Ltd)
The judges praised LISI Aerospace for its pioneering development of a bespoke Smart Factory solution, highlighting how the Rugby site had transformed its manufacturing capabilities through the innovative application of technology, employee expertise and a clear focus on operational efficiency. They were particularly impressed by the strength of teamwork and people-centric leadership behind the initiative, the development of new skills and career opportunities, and the success of a home-grown solution that has delivered measurable business growth and is now being scaled across the wider global group.
Category sponsored by:
Tornado Wire
The judges praised Tornado Wire for its clear strategic direction, strong leadership and disciplined approach to growth, highlighting its ability to combine product innovation, carefully selected commercial partnerships and external support to strengthen its market position. They were particularly impressed by the company’s people-focused culture, commitment to employee development and wellbeing, and the way it empowers its workforce through open communication, trust and a shared sense of purpose.
Category sponsored by:
Seyed-Khashayar Shahidan, Valliant
Demonstrating impressive engineering leadership, Khash has delivered significant operational savings while successfully bringing colleagues along through periods of change. His enthusiasm for manufacturing, commitment to sustainability and ambition for the future also caught the judges’ attention.
Category sponsored by:
Robert (Bobby) Langford, Encirc
Already establishing himself as a go-to expert in PLCs and machine controls, Robert combines strong technical knowledge with a genuine passion for manufacturing. His willingness to support colleagues, develop his skills and continually identify improvements points to a promising future in the industry.
Category sponsored by:
Centriforce
Centriforce has carved out a distinctive international proposition through its innovative use of recycled materials in niche products. Its carefully considered export strategy, understanding of different markets and attention to detail impressed the judges.
Category sponsored by:
Siderise
With ambitious export targets and a proven approach to international growth, Siderise demonstrated a strong understanding of how to adapt to different markets. The judges also recognised its effective use of local partners and continued investment in new products and technology.
Category sponsored by:
Tornado Wire
Strong leadership, clear business planning and open communication have helped Tornado Wire build a culture of trust and engagement. The judges highlighted its commitment to involving employees and the wider community, as well as the freedom it gives people to take ownership and deliver.
Category sponsored by:
Carlsberg Britvic
A clear strategy, strong shop-floor ownership and an unwavering focus on eliminating waste underpin Carlsberg Britvic’s approach to operational excellence. The judges singled out its zone ownership methodology, which creates accountability throughout the business, alongside its commitment to people development.
Category sponsored by:
ROSS Pneumatrol
Operational excellence is embedded in the day-to-day running of ROSS Pneumatrol, rather than being driven by a series of individual projects. The judges highlighted its strong culture of continuous improvement, tangible business results and commitment to developing its people.
Category sponsored by:
Tornado Wire
Through an open and empowering workplace culture, Tornado Wire is making manufacturing more accessible and attractive to younger generations. The judges particularly valued its commitment to developing existing employees and giving people the confidence to challenge established thinking.
Category sponsored by:
Kendamil
Combining strong formulation science with a clear understanding of consumer needs, Kendamil has developed a successful approach to product innovation. Its talented teams and disciplined innovation process have also helped create the financial stability to invest in new facilities and markets.
Category sponsored by:
LISI Aerospace (Blanc Aero Industries UK Ltd)
LISI Aerospace has developed a smart factory around the specific needs of its production floor, making effective use of internal expertise alongside investment in people and technology. The judges were particularly impressed by its deliberate approach to capturing the operational benefits of digitalisation.
Category sponsored by:
AstraZeneca
At AstraZeneca, sustainability is embedded throughout site operations, with measurable action across energy, water, waste and emissions. The judges praised its practical approach, strong governance and cross-functional ownership, highlighting how sustainability has become part of the site’s wider culture.
Category presented by:
LISI Aerospace (Blanc Aero Industries UK Ltd)
Collaboration and a shared commitment to growth have been central to LISI Aerospace’s commercial success. The judges were particularly impressed by the team’s ability to involve employees at every level of the business and use its Smart Factory as a catalyst for wider commercial opportunities.
Category sponsored by:
Jane Billson, Evtec Automotive
From supported internships to progression pathways linking education and employment, Jane is creating meaningful opportunities for people to enter and develop within the workforce. The judges praised her dedication to disability inclusion and her work helping other businesses build their own capabilities in this area.
Category presented by:
Rebecca Galley, Tornado Wire
Bringing clarity, energy and purpose to her leadership, Rebecca has galvanised her team around growth and a strong customer focus. Her ability to build trust, empower colleagues and develop a more diverse, future-ready talent pipeline particularly stood out.
Category sponsored by:
Fiacre O’Donnell, Encirc
Fiacre’s influence on sustainability extends well beyond his own organisation, inspiring cultural change across Encirc, its supply chain and the wider business community in Northern Ireland. The judges were particularly struck by his depth of knowledge and ability to bring others along on the sustainability journey.
Category sponsored by:
Tom Stonier, ROSS Pneumatrol
Bridging the gap between operational requirements and technology delivery, Tom has demonstrated a thoughtful and pragmatic approach to digital transformation. His ability to identify when bespoke development or off-the-shelf solutions are most appropriate, combined with his technical expertise and understanding of workforce needs, made a strong impression on the judges.
Category sponsored by:
Meet the winners at Smart Manufacturing Week
All of this year’s TMMX Awards winners will be invited to our flagship annual event, Smart Manufacturing Week [9-10 June 2027, NEC, Birmingham] where they will share the strategies, innovations and practical approaches behind their success.
Hear first-hand from these top-tier manufacturers, see their innovations in action, and find out what it takes to become a TMMX Award winner.
Find out more here: Smart Manufacturing Week
Do you have what it takes to win at The Manufacturer MX Awards 2027?
TMMX Awards are open to manufacturing businesses, and individuals that work directly in a manufacturing business, of all sectors and sizes. As long as you are a manufacturer with a production facility based in the UK, you can enter!
Stay tuned more information about next year’s The Manufacturer MX Awards.
