The Manufacturer MX Awards 2017 – who’s on the shortlist?

Nick Hussey, CEO of Hennik Research, organiser of The Manufacturer MX Awards ceremony each year in association with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, explained: “This is a true measure of the real dynamism in UK manufacturing. We hear so often that we don’t make things in this country any more. Nothing could be further from the truth. The growing excitement around The Manufacturer MX Awards shows manufacturers are keen to demonstrate how innovative, dynamic and in some cases truly revolutionary they really are.”

The Manufacturer MX Awards involve a detailed investigation of each entrant’s citation by groups of judges, who visit each factory in turn to inspect processes, and interview management and staff.

Paul Brooks, UK Business Development Director – Manufacturing, Santander Corporate & Commercial, said: “Supporting manufacturers remains a key focus for Santander in 2017 and sponsoring these fantastic awards is one way to showcase our commitment to the sector throughout the year. We understand the fundamental importance of manufacturing to the success of the UK economy and that’s why it’s so exciting to see so many innovative and new finalists making the shortlist. We look forward to celebrating with them in November at the awards.”

Philippa Oldham, Head of Transport and Manufacturing at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, added: “The TMMX Awards are designed to help drive improvements in the operations of all the companies involved. Entrants get free benchmarking and professional advice based on an audit of their business. Manufacturing remains at the heart of the UK’s economy, and yet again this year we are delighted to see the vibrancy and talent at work in the sector.”

The winners will be announced at the black tie gala dinner on 16th November at the Exhibition Centre Liverpool at the biggest celebration in the UK manufacturing calendar. Companies like McLaren Automotive, which won the Manufacturing in Action Award in 2016, believe it is well worth the considerable effort involved in entering.

McLaren’s Operations Director, Alan Foster, commented: “Nothing in life that is good, is easy. By involving the team in the judging, we took responsibility for reinforcing the credibility of the awards, as evidenced by the scale of last year’s event. These are ‘real’ awards – being judged and recognised by your peers is one of the strongest reinforcements anyone can receive.”

Shortlisted companies now face the rigorous second round judging process. Eight of this year’s categories will have site visits from the judging panel throughout September, while the remaining categories will be judged on 20th September where they will present to a panel of experts.

Apprentice of the Year

• Ben Stockdale, Cleveland Bridge UK
• Daniel Burns, Cleveland Bridge UK
• Kodi Gledhill, Coca-Cola European Partners
• Samuel Da Rosa, Ford Motor Company
• Ben Briguglio, IMI Precision Engineering
• Alex Hindle, Leyland Trucks
• Alex Machin, McLaren Automotive

Customer Focus

• Greens Power
• IMI Precision Engineering
• Leyland Trucks
• McLaren Automotive
• PP Control and Automation
• ZF Lemforder UK

Innovation & Design

• A-Safe
• Briggs Automotive Company
• Greg Rowe
• Interface
• Lontra
• McLaren Automotive

Leadership & Strategy

• Dura Automotive
• Encirc
• G&B Electronic Designs
• IMI Precision Engineering
• Jaguar Land Rover
• Lander Automotive
• Millers Oils

Manufacturing Services

• Agrimech
• BG Engineering
• G&P Group Holdings
• Proto Labs

Partnership with Education

• adi Group
• Agfa Graphics
• Briggs Automotive Company
• Caterpillar NI
• Leyland Trucks
• Lintott Control Systems

People & Skills

• Corrosion Resistant Products
• Dura Automotive
• Domino Printing Sciences
• Lander Automotive
• Leonardo MW
• Leyland Trucks

Smart Factory

• Brompton Bicycle
• Dura Automotive
• Forterra
• Hosokawa Micron
• Hyde Aero Products
• McLaren Automotive

Supply Chain Excellence

• Domino Printing Sciences
• Interface
• Lander Automotive
• Leyland Trucks
• PP Control and Automation
• ZF Lemforder UK

Sustainable Manufacturing

• Dura Automotive
• EnviroVent
• Forterra
• Interface
• Leyland Trucks
• McLaren Automotive

World Class Manufacturing

• Domino Printing Sciences
• Dura Automotive
• John Guest
• McLaren Automotive
• Russell Finex
• ZF Lemforder UK

Young Manufacturer of the Year

• Andrew Shepherd, EGGER (UK)
• Benjamin Bingham, GB Projects
• Mohamed Youssef, IMI Precision Engineering
• Christopher Owens, Leonardo MW
• Dan Bryant, McLaren Automotive
• Nicola Whiteford, pladis
• Thomas Darcy, Rolls-Royce
• Chloe Watmore, Thermotex Engineering

The Manufacturer Live
The Manufacturer MX Awards is part of The Manufacturer Live, a series of events taking place from 15-16 November, including the launch of The Manufacturer Top 100 2017 report, The Manufacturer Leaders Conference and co-located The Manufacturer Smart Factory Expo.

The Manufacturer MX Awards 2017 are supported by headline sponsor Santander, co-sponsor Meggitt, category sponsors, Autodesk, Columbus and Siemens, and partner Durham University Business School.