Make UK names Manufacturer of the Year

Swiftool Precision Engineering based in Sutton and Ashfield in Nottinghamshire has struck gold at the Make UK National Manufacturing Awards held in London.

The company which supplies precision machined components for safety critical parts to the nuclear, petrochemical and aerospace markets picked up three national awards, having won three awards at the Make UK Midlands Regional ceremony back in November.

The company won the Developing Future Talent Award, before being named SME of the Year and then overall Make UK Manufacturer of the Year, beating companies from across the UK

The awards, organised by Make UK, the manufacturers’ organisation, the body that represents over twenty thousand manufacturing companies across the UK, were held at Canary Wharf in London to recognise the achievements of companies and Apprentices from across the UK.

The company invests substantially in the development of its future workforce through its ‘Tomorrow’s workforce today’ programme which has involved significant investment in Apprentice training and a focus on building a close relationship with local colleges and schools to promote opportunities available within engineering. Given the complexity of the components that the company makes there is also a continual focus on innovation, in particular to ensure the company remains a key supplier to the Ministry of Defence next generation nuclear deterrent programme.

The judges’ citation said:

“This company has a truly inspirational story. They have a focus on key areas of the business to make them operationally successful but also work tirelessly to inspire the next generation in manufacturing and to promote job opportunities to the local community. They are investing in the latest technology to improve their processes and ensuring engineering is about interacting with innovative technology and providing superb customer support. They are a fantastic example of best in class and a well-deserved winner of Manufacturer of the Year.”

Stephen Phipson, Chief Executive of Make UK, said:

“These awards are a testament to the dynamic companies and individuals working within engineering and manufacturing. The sector remains at the heart of creating wealth across the UK and there will be a bright future for companies and individuals that make the most of their talent.”

The full list of winners in other categories is:

Business Growth & Strategy        Briggs of Burton

Energy & Sustainability                Peacocks Medical Group, Newcastle

Health & Safety                              Airbus

Innovation                                      Bluetree Medical, Rotherham

Manufacturing Matters                Atec Engineering Solutions, Manchester

The attached photograph shows Sam (left) and Stuart Handley, Directors at Swiftool, receiving their award from Haf Cennydd, Event Director from Manufacturing and Engineering Week.