2019 Made in the Midlands Awards

Our partnership with the Insider Group, a major UK publisher and organiser of business events, resulted in the filming of the latest video for the 2019 Made in the Midlands Awards.

Click Here to see the overview video that we made.

The Midlands’ manufacturing prowess was in the spotlight at the 2019 Awards held at the Macdonald Burlington in Birmingham. A diverse range of companies took home accolades, including brewers, engineering firms and pet food makers. On the night, business editor Ian Griffin reflected on the region’s history as a major player in the Industrial Revolution saying: “No part of the world, in human history, has had a greater impact in making people’s lives better.” He also called on the sector to “spearhead a new wave of innovation which will again improve all our lives”. Insider received a record number of entries for the awards for the second consecutive year. Sponsors for the evening were Barclays, Bevan Brittan LLP, Coventry University, Haines Watts, Hunter Selection and Waterman Group.

Here is the full list of winners and shortlisted companies:

Automotive Award
Winner:Liberty Vehicle Technologies
Liberty has taken home this award for the second year running after impressing the judges once again.
Shortlisted:
MarchantCain Design
Cameron-Price
MAHLE

Export Award
Sponsored byBarclays
Winner:Brandauer
The high-tolerance metal pressings maker was recognised for its overseas presence. Its electrical connectors are fitted in 90 per cent of the world’s kettles.
Highly commended:The First Class Pet Company
Shortlisted:
Microlise
Metrasens
HydraForce Hydraulics
AE Aerospace
Indestructible Paint

Digital Engineering/Technology Award
Sponsored byWaterman Group
Winner: Dennis Eagle
The refuse vehicle maker has developed DennisConnect, a telematics system aimed at reducing vehicle downtime.
Shortlisted:
Waldeck Consulting
Alcuris
Formation Media
Network Telecom (UK)
Stickee Technology
HSG UK
Guidance Marine

Food and Drink Award
Winner:Purity Brewing Company
Purity has released five new beers in the past year, including a gluten-free ale.
Shortlisted:
Clifton Packaging Group
Green Cow Kitchens

Manufacturing Apprenticeship/Training Scheme Award
Sponsored byCoventry University
Winner:  Marches Centre of Manufacturing and Technology CIC
The facility is an example of the vital collaboration between manufacturers to tackle the skills shortage.
Shortlisted:

Tesco Maintenance
Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre
Elite Centre for Manufacturing Skills

Sustainable/Ethical Manufacturer Award
Winner:Ibstock Brick
The brick maker was recognised for its “active and engaging sustainability programme”.
Shortlisted:
Green Cow Kitchens
Lightweight Containers
Mayborn Group
Rock Fall (UK)
Aston Manor Cider
Clifton Packaging Group
Target Catering Equipment

Apprentice of the Year Award
Winner:  Joshua Lambden, HydraForce Hydraulics
Joshua designed a component which reduced downtime in the business and imopressed the judges with his “practical knowledge, passion and ambition”.
Highly Commended: Laine Young, Liberty Pressing Solutions (Coventry)
Shortlisted:
Brad Taylor, Accles & Pollock
Jamie Garbett, Liberty Pressing Solutions (Willenhall)
Debbie Willetts, Howells Patent Glazing
Abbiegail Hill, voestalpine Metsec
Adam Egan, Lander Automotive
Ritik Sharma, HydraForce Hydraulics
Brad Anslow, Liberty Aluminium Technologies (Wednesbury)

Manufacturing Innovation Award
Sponsored byHaines Watts
Winner:Clifton Packaging Group
Clifton has supplied its stand-up pouch to two major food producers using specialist machinery.
Shortlisted:
Metrasens
Microlise
HSG UK
Jack Aluminium
Dennis Eagle
Rock Fall (UK)

Manufacturer of the Year (turnover under £25m)
Sponsored byHunter Selection
Winner:MNB Precision Engineering
A customer-led strategy led to the company trebling turnover over the past few years.
Highly commended:PP Control & Automation
Shortlisted:

Metrol Springs
Somers Forge
AE Aerospace
Cullum Detuners
FFP Packaging Solutions
Kybotech

Manufacturer of the Year (turnover above £25m)
Winner:Grainger & Worrall
The company has embraced the move away from fossil fuels and now customers that produce alternatively-powered vehicles make up two thirds of its business.
Highly commended:Tamlite Lighting
Shortlisted:
Ibstock Brick
Dennis Eagle
HL Plastics