The winners of the Insider Made in North East Awards have been revealed, celebrating the best and most innovative manufacturers in the region. Due to the unprecedented Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent restrictions, the awards ceremony was held virtually at the Insider Made in North East Online Forum. The event was sponsored by Barclays and supported by Digital Catapult North East Tees Valley.
Manufacturing Apprenticeship/Training Scheme Award
Winner: Funky Chunky Furniture
Funky Chunky Furniture’s apprenticeships and advanced training courses are benefiting team members from right across the business. The judges were impressed with its commitment to upskill the workforce, to create opportunities and career progression for all individuals.
Shortlisted:
Eminent Engineering
East Durham College
EDM Zone
Manufacturing Innovation Award
Supported by: Digital Catapult North East Tees Valley
Winner: Kromek
The judges wanted to reward Kromek for its development of a patented production technique for the manufacture of CZT, a semi-conductor which it uses to develop high-performance sensor detection products.
Shortlisted:
Engineered Foam Products
I-Glo
The Expanded Metal Company
Export Award
Winner: Artech Lighting
Artech creates products for indoor and outdoor illumination. The judges were impressed with how the real momentum across the business in 2019, which led it to win an important contract for the Dubai World Trade Centre.
Shortlisted:
Filtronic
Raytec
Crafter’s Companion
Digital Engineering/Technology Award
Winner: Wootzano
Wootzano makes robots that feel and sense like humans do. The judges were impressed by the increased production and the scale up of the manufacturing process of the electronic skin to more than 180 a day within the last year.
Shortlisted:
The Algorithm People
Elmtronics
Integrated Display Systems (IDS)
Food and Drink Award
Winner: Pie Jackers
Pie Jackers makes gourmet pies using top quality local ingredients at the company’s purpose-built facility. The judges were most impressed how it constantly looking for new opportunities and new ways to reach new customers.
Shortlisted:
SK Chilled Foods
Tyne Bank Brewery
Oatein – North Tyneside based
Sustainable/Ethical Manufacturer Award
Sponsored by: Barclays
Winner: AGMA
AGMA develops, formulates and manufactures speciality chemical products. The judges said AGMA really punches above its, developing its R&D and investing in state-of-the-art machinery to help it compete.
Shortlisted:
I-Glo
AEM Group
Automotive, Aerospace & Rail Award
Winner: Integrated Display Systems (IDS) – North Tyneside based
IDS designs, manufactures and installs equipment for the automotive sector. The judges were impressed by its winning large contracts with vehicle manufacturers such as Volkswagen and Ford in their production facilities around the world.
Shortlisted:
Hyperdrive Innovation
Hitachi Rail
I-Glo
Evolution E-Types
Apprentice of the Year Award
Winner: Andrew Calvert, Eminent Engineering
At the time of the submission Andrew was a level 3 second year apprentice and has been part of the manufacture of many projects including the fabrication and welding of stainless steel and aluminum products and has developed into one of the main fabricators within the company.
Shortlisted:
Ewan Archer, Premier Tech
Morgan Pearce, Walker Filtration
Manufacturer of the Year (under £25m)
Winner: S&A Fabrications
The company designs, manufacturers and erects steel framed buildings. The judges were impressed by it constantly looking to innovate and improve its products, as well its commitment to never cut corners in order to save costs.
Shortlisted:
Midland Steel Traders
Funky Chunky Furniture
EDM Zone
Wootzan
Manufacturer of the Year (over £25m)
Winner: Hitachi Rail
Hitachi Rail is responsible for four of the top five most reliable new trains in the UK at the moment. This, according to the judges, is a perfect demonstration of the excellence of the product quality that Hitachi Rail achieves.
Shortlisted:
Walker Filtration
Tekmar