600 UK, which employs 85 staff manufacturing Colchester and Harrison manual and CNC lathes, Pratt Burnerd International Workholding and Gamet Bearings, walked away with silver at the EEF/Aldermore Future Manufacturing Awards, held in London in April. The company was runner-up for the Business Efficiency Award, which celebrates the achievements of manufacturers that have successfully designed and delivered new operating practices to boost productivity and business performance.
600 UK was selected by a panel of judges drawn from business leaders, industry experts and academics and was up against tough competition from a range of dynamic businesses, small and large, from across the UK, making its success even more impressive.
The judges were won over by the company's dedication, determination and drive to boost efficiency.It had learned some very difficult lessons from outsourcing and by moving back to the UK it achieved many benefits not just in terms of profitability, but also apprenticeships, training and sustainability. The shortened supply chain created by reshoring manufacturing gave 600 UK agility and flexibility to respond to customers' needs.
Mike Berry, managing director at 600 UK says: "There are so many fantastic manufacturers in the UK – to be runner-up for this national award is a massive compliment and a huge achievement for our staff. Manufacturing is a thriving industry that drives jobs, growth and prosperity and we hope our success will encourage other manufacturers to step forward and share their achievements.
"It's clear that our value is being increasingly recognised. We're all delighted and feel that our hard work and dedication has paid off."
Mark Stephens, Deputy CEO of sponsor Aldermore, says: "Despite its value to the UK economy, manufacturing is an unsung hero. These awards go some way towards shining a light on the dedication, commitment and innovation going on each and every day in this dynamic and exciting sector.
"The constant quest for better and more effective ways of doing things plays a critical part in success. 600 UK has to be applauded for taking great strides in improving efficiency and in being named runner-up for this national award."
Winner of the national Business Improvement Award was Newport, Wales-based plastic injection moulding manufacturer Mollertech, and southeast England-based manufacturer Origin was highly commended.
Other national winners and runners-up of the EEF Future Manufacturing Awards 2014 are listed below.
Winner of Winners
Naylor Drainage Ltd
The Outstanding Achievement by a First Year Apprentice
National Winner: Benjamin Farnsworth, Techni-Grind (Preston) Machining Ltd
National Runner-up: Robert Hardie, HepcoMotion Ltd
The Outstanding Achievement by a Final Year Apprentice
National Winner: Daniel Biggs, JCB Transmissions
National Runner-up: James Doughty, Jaguar Land Rover
National Highly Commended: Pavandeep Bhogal, BAE SYSTEMS (Warton Unit)
The Manufacturing Student of the Year
National Winner: Daniel Biggs, JCB Transmissions
Special Recognition: Jack Patterson, University of Sunderland and Orwin
The Business Growth Award
National Winner: Pryor Marking Technology
National Runner-up: Stadco Ltd
National Highly Commended: Permaban Limited
The Developing People Award
National Winner: ZF Lemforder UK Ltd
National Runner-up: Hymid Multi-Shot Ltd
National Highly Commended: Ford Aerospace Limited
The Environmental Efficiency Award
National Winner: Nestle UK Ltd
National Runner-up: Caparo Industries Plc
National Highly Commended: Crown Paints
The Outstanding Export Award
National Winner: Naylor Drainage Ltd
National Runner-up: Inciner8 Limited
The Health & Safety Award
National Winner: Mabey Bridge Ltd
National Runner-up: Mars Chocolate UK Ltd
The Smart Product Award
Joint National Winner: Hybrid Air Vehicles Ltd
Joint National Winner: Advanced Insulation Ltd
The Manufacturing Champion Award
National Winner: Roger Evans MBE, Schaeffler (UK) Ltd
The Outstanding Industrialist Award
National Winner: Mike Turner CBE
