The Manufacturer MX Awards Finalists 2015

We’re excited to announce this year’s shortlist for The Manufacturer MX Awards 2015. Each of the companies and individuals below represent the innovative, the efficient and the all-round epitome of excellence in UK manufacturing.

Congratulations to all of the below finalists!

 APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR – FINALISTS

This award seeks to acknowledge and celebrate an apprentice’s outstanding contributions to their workplace and exceptional progress in both their skills development and studies.

Judges will be looking for a demonstration of hard work and commitment to achieving the best possible results across the apprentice’s chosen framework and outstanding commitment to their own personal development and progression through learning. The candidate should demonstrate inspirational qualities and be a positive role model for vocational qualifications.

  • Scott Thompson, De La Rue
  • Emma Wilding, Jaguar Land Rover
  • James Doughty, Jaguar Land Rover
  • Jade Aspinall, MBDA UK
  • Amber Wild, Worldwide Fruit
  • Tim Plows, Xtrac

CUSTOMER FOCUS – FINALISTS

In today’s competitive markets, understanding your customer requirements and delivering quality products and services on time are paramount for establishing long-term relationships and mutually beneficial partnerships.

This award will go to the manufacturing company that, in the opinion of the judges, best demonstrates how its customer strategy has contributed to: increased growth or market share; optimised innovation; improved operational excellence; and enhanced customer delivery and engagement. Judges will also look for evidence of how customer satisfaction is measured and the robustness of the quality system that supports the business.

  • Airedale Solutions
  • Coty Manufacturing UK
  • Durapipe UK
  • Elster Water Metering
  • Heatric
  • Lambert Engineering

EXPORTER OF THE YEAR – FINALISTS

This award will go to the manufacturing company that, in the opinion of the judges, best demonstrates how through exporting activity the company has been able to increase international sales; demonstrate a commitment to expanding international business; and demonstrate the value and contribution of exporting to the future of the business.

The judges will take into consideration the company’s exports as a proportion of total sales; the increased value of the export sales in 2014/2015; and the implementation of a lean, cost effective and environmentally responsible approach to exporting.

  • Ecotile Flooring
  • Electronic Temperature Instruments (ETI)
  • Hayward Tyler Group
  • Powder Systems
  • Xtrac

INNOVATION AND DESIGN – FINALISTS

This award will go to the manufacturing company that, in the opinion of the judges, best demonstrates how innovation within the business has been developed and applied to create significant growth, improved commercial performance, increased market share and operational effectiveness.

This award does not focus on one single innovation, but looks at how a culture of innovation has been created, generating new or improved products, services and processes that successfully meet the changing needs of the customer and business.

  • B & D Electromedical
  • Coty Manufacturing UK
  • Croft Filters
  • Elster Water Metering
  • Gatecare
  • Lambert Engineering
  • SAVORTEX

LEADERSHIP AND STRATEGY – FINALISTS

This award will go to the manufacturing company that, in the opinion of the judges, demonstrates the greatest breadth and depth of leadership and management skills, and successful implementation of a clear, well-communicated business strategy.

Judges will look for evidence of strategic thinking; innovative practices; improved commercial performance and competitiveness; and engagement with employees, customers, suppliers and the local community.

  • Coty Manufacturing UK
  • Hayward Tyler Group
  • Lambert Engineering
  • Selex ES
  • Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Manufacturing
  • William Hughes

MANUFACTURING IN ACTION – FINALISTS

This award will go to the manufacturing company that, in the opinion of the judges, best demonstrates an efficient, modern, profitable business, which can show examples of product excellence, innovation, customer satisfaction, investment in people, training, effective management and efforts to become more sustainable in both processes and products.

Entries for this category are researched and nominated by The Manufacturer editorial team, following site visits conducted curing September 2014 to August 2015.

  • Brandauer
  • Brompton Bicycles
  • McLaren Automotive
  • Naylor Industries
  • SPI Lasers
  • Torin-Sifan

MANUFACTURING SERVICES – FINALISTS

This award will go to the manufacturing company that, in the opinion of the judges, best demonstrates how it has transformed its business model to provide a holistic solution to the customer, rather than just engaging in a single transaction through the sale of a physical product.

Judges will look for evidence of how this service-led approach has engaged customers over the longer term, helping to build closer ties and mutually-beneficial relationships; as well as improving competitiveness; creating new and resilient revenue streams; and encouraging product improvement.

  • Bytronic Automation
  • EA Technology
  • Lambert Engineering
  • SAVORTEX

PARTNERSHIP WITH EDUCATION – FINALISTS

This award will go to the manufacturing company that, in the opinion of the judges, best demonstrates the greatest commitment to supporting and engaging positively with the education sector.

Assessing your approach, processes and policies for building partnerships with schools, colleges and higher education institutions, this award reviews how any outreach initiatives undertaken enable children and young people to relate academic study to the world of work, and how the company is working with colleges and universities to develop and grow its own employees and business.

  • BAE Systems Military Air & Information
  • Cummins Engine Co.
  • GE Aviation Wales
  • Hargreaves Ductwork
  • Hydram Engineering
  • Leyland Trucks

PEOPLE AND SKILLS – FINALISTS

This award will go to the manufacturing company that, in the opinion of the judges, best demonstrates how its approach to skills and workforce development has improved employee satisfaction; optimised productivity and quality; and increased engagement within the workforce.

Judges will look for evidence of a company culture that promotes learning, focusing on talent and performance, as well as encouraging openness among employees about their development needs. Judges will also look at how the company is assessing and addressing both the current and future skill needs of the business.

  • Coty Manufacturing UK
  • Hayward Tyler Group
  • Jotun Paints (Europe)
  • Lambert Engineering
  • Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Manufacturing
  • Xtrac

SUPPLY CHAIN EXCELLENCE – FINALISTS

This award will go to the manufacturing company that, in the opinion of the judges, is making measurable progress towards realising a fully integrated network of supply chain partners that demonstrably reduce cost and increase efficiency.

The judges will look for an integrated supply chain strategy that embraces the whole business process, from raw materials or component procurement, through to customer delivery. Judges will also look for demonstration of innovative thinking and measures to improve business performance, and improvements in the efficiency of operations to achieve greater agility, profitability and customer responsiveness.

  • Coty Manufacturing UK
  • B. Hepworth and Co.
  • Benchmark Plastics (a trading name of Nutriculture UK)
  • Mollart Engineering
  • Seevent Plastics
  • Westomatic

SUSTAINABLE MANUFACTURING – FINALISTS

This award will be given to the manufacturing company that, in the opinion of the judges, best demonstrates a company-wide commitment and proven business case for sustainability.

Judges will look at how a sustainable approach has improved commercial performance, competitiveness, employee engagement, and customer and supplier perception. Judges will also look for innovative practices; future sustainability plans and awareness; and the greatest commitment to reducing its impact on the environment.

  • Building Adhesives
  • Coty Manufacturing UK
  • Encirc
  • Lambert Engineering
  • Smurfit Kappa
  • Stadco

THROUGH-LIFE ENGINEERING SERVICES – FINALISTS

This award will go to the manufacturing company that, in the opinion of the judges, is making quantifiable progress towards providing through-life engineering services, from conceptual design and manufacture, through to maintenance, life extension and end of life treatment.

Judges will be looking for evidence that the company is delivering high value, long-life products with outstanding availability, predictability and reliability, with the lowest life cycle cost.

  • Bombardier Transportation
  • Lambert Engineering
  • Rolls-Royce

WORLD CLASS MANUFACTURING – FINALISTS

This award will go to the manufacturing company that, in the opinion of the judges, best demonstrates the use of effective lean methodologies and techniques that focus on improvements in: quality; cost; productivity; physical waste reduction and non-value adding activities; customer service; and safety.

Judges will also look for evidence of an engaged workforce and development of a lasting culture of continuous improvement.

  • Accolade Wines
  • Coty Manufacturing UK
  • Cummins Generator Technologies
  • Lambert Engineering
  • Meggitt Avionics
  • NHS Blood and Transplant

YOUNG MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR – FINALISTS

This award will go to the young manufacturer, aged 18-29 years, who is making a significant and quantifiable contribution to their company.

The award recognises an individual who has demonstrated a strong understanding of their manufacturing environment and processes; a hands-on passion for their work; a record of commitment to training and professional development; and an ambition to excel in industry. Candidates should be able to show resourcefulness and strong problem solving skills, with a strong commitment to quality and awareness of the customer and market needs for their company.

  • Jack Sharples, BAE Systems (Operations)
  • Jessika Camm, Bentley Motors
  • Pierre-Adrien Chagnoleau, Coty Manufacturing UK
  • Thomas Sullivan, FANUC UK
  • Philip West, Selex ES
  • Amber Wild, Worldwide Fruit