Connexion Technologies, the parent group of Accura Engineering has been shortlisted for The Manufacturer MX Awards 2022 and will now go head-to-head with manufacturers across the country for first place in the Achieving Customer Value category.
Britain’s top manufacturing companies have made it through to the finals of the UK’s largest and most rigorous industry awards programme: The Manufacturer MX Awards (TMMX Awards). Delivered by The Manufacturer in partnership with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), TMMX Awards have a combined heritage of over 50 years and are widely regarded as the gold standard in industry awards.
2022 has been an unprecedented year for entries with a significant number of new companies entering including Druck, Reckitt, and blood glucose monitoring manufacturer Lifescan Scotland, alongside regular participants including Gripple, The Park and Yunex Traffic – all vying to win 11 category awards, and ultimately the coveted title of Manufacturer of the Year. Also returning this year for the first time since COVID-19 restrictions have eased, is the Manufacturing in Action category where The Manufacturer team have been able to visit some of the UK’s most innovative and agile manufacturers.
The shortlist represents the true diversity of UK manufacturing, ranging from smaller companies like filter and capacitator-maker MPE, and foam converter manufacturer Foam Engineers, to the sole British producer of sugar from sugar beet, British Sugar, beverage manufacturer, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners and manufacturer and retailer of kitchens, Wren Kitchens.
Connexion Technologies, headquartered in Burton-upon-Trent, is leading group of electro-mechanical manufacturing and engineering businesses with divisions across the UK including Custom Interconnect, Accura Engineering, Castle Microwave and Pure PCB. With over 280 employees and turnover of £36 million, the group is at the forefront of high-technology manufacturing in the UK.
Craig Wright, Chairman and CEO of Connexion Technologies, said: “Delivering customer value has always been at the core of Connexion Technologies’ growth strategy and I am delighted that we have been recognised for our approach by The Manufacturer and the judging panel. Working in partnership with our customers, we have been instrumental in bringing their new products to market in disruptive industries such as lab-on-chip healthcare devices and power modules for E-Vehicles. Our customers trust us because we invest in manufacturing capability and processes that give them a commercial advantage and we consistently deliver the highest quality products”.
Commenting on this year’s programme, Managing Director of The Manufacturer, Grace Gilling said: “With UK manufacturers facing unprecedented pressures from rising energy costs, a looming talent and recruitment crisis, and continued supply chain issues, it is testament to their resilience that so many companies have committed to participating in The Manufacturer MX Awards rigorous benchmarking and continuous improvement programme. This shows a deep commitment to recognise the successes of their teams, and to showcase their achievements. Now is the time to SHOUT about the amazing variety of UK manufacturing businesses – thank you, well done for making the shortlist, and good luck for the next round!”
The finalists go through to the second round of the competition, where companies in eight of the 10 categories will receive a factory visit with judges gathering first-hand evidence of the entry in action, travelling the length and the breadth of the UK. Finalists in the International Trade and Young Manufacturer categories will deliver a presentation at a judging day.
Judges include previous TMMX Awards winners, Fellows from the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), representatives from each of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult Centres (HVMC), leading academics, and industry experts.
The winners will be announced at The Manufacturer MX Awards gala dinner and ceremony on 17 November at the Exhibition Centre in Liverpool. As the culminating event of Digital Manufacturing Week 2022, the evening is always a true celebration of the best of British manufacturing and this year’s event will smash all previous records, with 900 guests set to be in attendance to fill the capacity of the venue. Rory Bremner, known impressionist and comedian, noted for his work in political satire and impressions of British public figures, is confirmed as guest speaker. Be part of the biggest party in UK manufacturing – get your tickets for The Manufacturer MX Awards here.
All entrants to TMMX Awards receive VIP passes to the daytime events of Digital Manufacturing Week – either the Manufacturing Leaders’ or SME Growth Summits for their leadership teams, plus VIP passes to Smart Factory Expo. Entry and judging are at no cost to the participants. The programme could not be possible without the generous support of The Manufacturer MX Awards sponsors including judging partner High Value Manufacturing Catapult, category sponsors Autodesk, Capgemini, Cranfield University, Fujitsu, Jaguar Land Rover, Made Smarter Innovation, MHP Consulting (a Porsche company), and Michael Page, and drinks reception sponsor Ericsson.
The Manufacturer MX Awards 2022 Shortlist:
Achieving Customer Value
Connexion Technologies
Foam Engineers
Gripple
Product Innovation & Design – sponsored by Autodesk
Druck, a Baker Hughes business
Foam Engineers
Gripple
Janus International Europe
MasterMover
Polypipe Building Services
Philadelphia Scientific
Verder
Leadership & Strategy – sponsored by MHP Consulting (a Porsche company)
British Sugar
Foam Engineers
Gripple
Oxford Plastics
Produmax
Yunex Traffic
Operational Excellence – sponsored by Cranfield University
Foam Engineers
Gripple
Jaguar Land Rover – Halewood
LifeScan Scotland
The Park
Wren Kitchens
Manufacturing in Action
Brompton Bicycles
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners
Cummins
Leonardo
Siemens Digital Industries Congleton
TSP Engineering
People and Skills – sponsored by Michael Page
Castings Technology International
Druck, a Baker Hughes business
Evtec Automotive
Gripple
Lisi Aerospace (BAIUK)
LifeScan Scotland
Sertec Corporation
The Shearline Group
Smart Factory – sponsored by Made Smarter Innovation
Druck, a Baker Hughes business
Gripple
Janus International Europe
Reckitt
Supply Chain Excellence – sponsored by Jaguar Land Rover
Druck, a Baker Hughes business
Excell Metal Spinning
Foam Engineers
Gripple
Ricardo
Wren Kitchens
Yunex Traffic
Sustainable Manufacturing – sponsored by Fujitsu
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners
Encirc
Gripple
NSG Pilkington
The Park
The Vita Group
International Trade
ALLpaQ Packaging
Design Specific
Gripple
Lanes Health
MattressTek
MPE
Oxford Plastics
Russell Finex
Young Manufacturer of the Year – sponsored by Capgemini
Barney Carter, Reckitt
Becky Simms, MBDA UK
Greta Povile, Goodfish Group
Jack Barnes, Druck, Baker Hughes
Jose Carles, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners
Martin Vares, Fractory
Robbie Holder, Goodfish Group
Tasha Lyth, Gripple
Congratulations to all the finalists!
