Three Bristol manufacturers spanning green technology, defence and aero-engineering were among the eight winners of the South West EEF Future Manufacturing Awards 2012.
The awards were presented at a gala ceremony held in @Bristol. The annual event is hosted by the manufacturers’ organisation EEF and recognises excellence in enterprise, innovation, environmental performance and skills development among UK manufacturers.
This year the judges were particularly impressed by the number of companies which had continued to forge ahead despite very challenging market conditions over recent years.
The Bristol area winners were:
• Solagen, based in Yate. Winners of both the Green and Growth Award, sponsored by ENER-G and the Outstanding Export Award, sponsored by DHL.
• Joshua Campbell of Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S, part of the Ministry of Defence) in Bristol – Outstanding Achievement by a First Year Apprentice, sponsored by Semta.
• Oliver Jukes from Rolls-Royce in Bristol – Outstanding Achievement by a Final Year Apprentice, sponsored by Semta.
EEF South West director Phil Brownsord said: “The manufacturing industry is vital to the prosperity of the South West, employing around 250,000 people with a combined output in excess of £10bn. It fantastic to see all of the companies demonstrate how strong growth is still achievable even in challenging times through innovation, process control and high levels of customer service. Congratulations to them on and to Joshua and Oliver on their outstanding achievements.”
Other winners were:
• SFL Flues and Chimneys of Barnstaple – Business Growth Award, sponsored by Westfield Health.
• Graphic, Crediton – Skills & Training Award, sponsored by Westfield Health.
• H.C. Starck, Calne – Innovative Operating Practices Award, sponsored by JAM Recruitment.
• Devonport Royal Dockyard, Plymouth – People Management Award, sponsored by JAM Recruitment.
• Nuaire, Caerphilly – Environmental Efficiency Award, sponsored by ENER-G.
Pictured: EEF's Phil Brownsord, centre, with award winners and sponsors
