The UK’s top manufacturing companies have made it through to the finals of the manufacturing industry’s largest and most rigorous awards programme. Delivered by The Manufacturer in partnership with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), The Manufacturer MX Awards (TMMX Awards) exist to encourage, benchmark, and celebrate manufacturing excellence, with every stage of the programme providing value for participants, whatever their excellence maturity.
The finalists are competing across 11 categories ranging from operational excellence and sustainability, through to supply chain and product innovation, with one company being crowned the overall Manufacturer of the Year 2024 at a gala ceremony at the Titanic Hotel in Liverpool on 27 November. The shortlist includes companies from a wide variety of sectors and represents the length and breadth of UK manufacturing. Nominated companies include household names such as BAE Systems, Britvic and British Sugar, to smaller SMEs such as Evtec Automotive, MPE and Lush.
The finalists progress through to the second round of the competition, when they will have the chance to impress the independent judging panels during a site visit or in-depth Q&A presentation.
New to the programme this year is the Equity, Diversity & Inclusion category. Developed by Cranfield University, in partnership with The Manufacturer, through rigorous research and in consultation with the Manufacturing Industries Division board of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers, this category sets a new standard for people-focused excellence in our sector.
By recognising best practices and providing actionable feedback to participants, we aim to establish ED&I as a guiding star for the UK manufacturing’s vibrant community. Together, we are empowering our sector to forge a new legacy, paving the way for a brighter and more inclusive future.
Commenting on this year’s programme, Managing Director of The Manufacturer, Grace Gilling said: “Huge congratulations to the 2024 finalists! Our awards programme is renowned for its rigour, making it a significant accomplishment to be shortlisted. The upcoming second-round judging offers finalists an invaluable opportunity to present their cases directly to our esteemed panels. Best of luck to all participants, and a sincere thank you to all entrants, our dedicated judges, and our generous sponsors.”
TMMX Awards could not be possible without the generous support of headline sponsor Columbus and category sponsors: Autodesk, Cranfield University, Epicor, RS Group, Schneider Electric and SugarCRM.
Be part of the biggest party in UK manufacturing – get your tickets for The Manufacturer MX Awards ceremony here.
The awards will form part of the TM Live series of events, which also includes Manufacturing Leaders’ Summit, the annual gathering of top-tier industry visionaries, senior executives, decision-makers, and thought leaders within the manufacturing ecosystem. They converge for two days of talks and meetings to share knowledge, celebrate success and address common challenges that are shaping the industry today.
All TMMX finalists automatically qualify for tickets for their business leaders to attend Manufacturing Leaders’ Summit for free.
Situated in the heart of Liverpool’s historic docklands, TMMX Awards and TM Live will take place at the Titanic Hotel.
Last year Poole’s Yunex Traffic, a developer of intelligent traffic management systems, simulation, tunnel management, AI powered digital solutions and infrastructure for autonomous driving, was crowned The Manufacturer of the Year in 2023, and clinched several other awards.
The company’s Thea Watts said: “The evening of the awards was a real party. The air was buzzing, and everyone was so fantastic in congratulating all the winners. I’d recommend it, even if you haven’t submitted an entry. It’s great to see what others are striving towards and excelling at.
“Not to brag, but we won three awards. To win Manufacturer of the Year was a total shock, but a lovely one! The awards are a consistent reminder that we are on the right path, but we should always be reviewing our processes and progress, checking in with our peers and looking forward – not back.
“The awards are just so rewarding. If you get feedback from the judges – whether it be there and then or after the awards – implement those changes, as those suggestions have come from the best in the business. Finally, get yourself to that party and let’s all celebrate UK manufacturing!”
Here at The Manufacturer we believe it’s more important than ever to encourage, benchmark and celebrate manufacturing excellence. From your morning bowl of cereal and drive to work, to the moment you place your phone on charge at the end of the day, we are constantly surrounded by innovative manufacturers, and most of the time we take it for granted.
The Manufacturer MX Awards is the ideal opportunity to shine a spotlight on the companies and people who make this incredibly vital sector tick. We are delighted to announce the shortlist nominations for 2024.
The Manufacturer MX Awards 2024 shortlist – headline sponsor: Columbus
Achieving Customer Value (sponsored by SugarCRM)
DAF Leyland Trucks
Janus International Europe
Jepson & Co
MPE
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (sponsored by Cranfield University)
Britvic
Encirc Beverages
Evtec Automotive
LISI Aerospace
Lush Manufacturing
International Trade
Alcon Components
Janus International Europe
Webtec Products
Manufacturing in Action (presented by The Manufacturer)
Finalists to be announced soon
Operational Excellence (sponsored by Cranfield University)
Audiotonix Holdings
BDK Industrial Products
Encirc Beverages
Johnson Matthey
Mercian Labels
Millboard
Sertec
People & Skills
Britvic
Encirc Beverages
Energy Solutions (UK)
Evtec Automotive
Product Innovation & Design (sponsored by Autodesk)
BAE Systems Maritime Services
Balmoral Tanks
Halo Autocare
Luxfer Gas Cylinders
Millboard
Smart Factory (sponsored by Epicor)
Amtico
British Sugar
Evtec Automotive
LISI Aerospace
Schneider Electric
Sertec
Supply Chain Excellence
Encirc Beverages
Progressive Technology
Ricardo
Sustainable Manufacturing (sponsored by Schneider Electric)
Atlas Copco
Britvic
Encirc Beverages
Janus International Europe
Millboard
Thorn Lighting Factory
Young Manufacturer of the Year (sponsored by RS Group)
Sam Bennington, Encirc Beverages
Ethan Green, Webtec Products
Oliver Hall, ROSS Pneumatrol
Sam Keen, BMW (UK) Manufacturing
Dylan Stone, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners
Kiera Wareing, ITW ROCOL
Each year, the industry migrates to Liverpool to enjoy a series of award-winning events produced by The Manufacturer that champion the sector, promote innovation and recognise achievement – a tradition with a heritage of over 50 years.
Events include:
- Manufacturing Leaders’ Summit
- The Manufacturer MX Awards
- Top 100 Alumni Networking Drinks
- The Manufacturer Director’s Forum
The Manufacturer Live runs from 26-27 November at The Titanic Hotel, Liverpool. From the super-focused discussion tables of Manufacturing Leaders’ Summit, to the lively dancefloor of The Manufacturer MX Awards there’s a variety of activities to suit everyone. Have you secured your spot yet? Register now.
