Success can be interpreted in many different ways but, whichever way you define it, you will see a list of Birmingham's businesses as the perfect examples.
They will be brought together next month at our 2021 Birmingham Post Business Awards.
The Manufacturing Business of the Year category, sponsored by , is designed to recognise manufacturing companies that have stayed true to the manufacturing traditions of Birmingham.
They continuously boost the local economy and produce only the highest-quality products while demonstrating a dedication to maximised sales, sustainability and investment.
The online awards ceremony takes place on Tuesday June 15 - Please email nikki.kandola@reachplc.com for more information and to learn about sponsorship opportunities. The ceremony will be hosted on our new virtual events platform The Awards Room which gives nominees and sponsors the chance to experience real-time networking, with guests grouped together on their own tables. Follow the hashtag #BPBAwards for updates on social media. |
Here are the Manufacturing Business of the Year finalists for 2021:
AE Aerospace
AE Aerospace is a Birmingham-based, make-to-print subcontract precision machining company for the aerospace and marine, civil and defence industries. The company manufactures low-to-medium volume prototype components, through to original equipment and higher volume manufacture.
Investments into the employees, facilities and tools has enabled the business to grow over the past seven years, with the team members being the driving force for new opportunities and development.
The potential of the business has been recognised by many, with the company becoming the first business to receive two years funding for the 'ADS SC21 Competitiveness and Growth Programme'.
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Despite the pandemic, AE Aerospace saw its order book continue to grow as orders increased from outside of the 海角视频. The investments put into the business ensured the success of the supply chain during the difficult times, with specialised software that increased efficiency compensating for reduced staffing. Then, at the end of 2020, AE Areospace secured its largest order to date with Airbus A220.
Further growth is expected with the introduction of 5G. AE Aerospace is the first 海角视频 SME to trial a private 5G network with BT and WM5G to transform its manufacturing productivity. The new technologies will open up more jobs and enable the team to develop their careers, preserving their jobs while upskilling them as the workforce of the future .
To help in the 海角视频's fight against Covid-19, the company pulled together to learn new complex machining methods to deliver six weeks-worth of finished components for ventilators within two weeks.
The Manufacturing Business of the Year category sponsor is Propel Finance
Established in 1996, Propel Finance provides flexible and accessible finance to SMEs across the country. Propel has grown to become one of the 海角视频’s largest independent finance houses, helping more than 40,000 businesses to access finance for purchasing business critical equipment and vehicles, quickly and easily.
A representative for the company said: “We've chosen to sponsor the Manufacturer of the Year Award in 2021 because we want to support Birmingham’s iconic and rich history within the sector. Birmingham has been so successful because it has the ability to transform and adapt to constant change, something which sets the city apart from others and something which we hold a strong synergy with.”
Contechs
Established in 1997, Contechs is a leading design, engineering and recruitment company. It is based in an 85,000 sq ft site in Warwick, with more sites in Basildon, Germany, India and Detroit. Contechs counts world-leading brands such as Jaguar, Land Rover, Ford, Bentley and Aston Martin among its many clients.
Over the past 12 months, Contechs has not only seen a 44 per cent turnover increase, it has also lived up to its company slogan of "limitless possibilities". It diversified to respond to the urgent demand for PPE supplies, supplying 10,000 gowns weekly to University Hospitals Birmingham. The newly-established Contechs Medical created more than 250 jobs and has another 450 in the pipeline.
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Designed to allow people of all cultures and religions to feel comfortable at work, Contechs Medical produced two unique types of PPE garments, a Hijab and a multi-hairstyle hat. Further innovation was seen in the development of the surgical face mask with transparent anti-mist window.
The decision to diversify has ensured the long-term growth and sustainability of the business. This future-proofing means it can stay ahead of the game in the automotive industry, as a key part of Contechs’ strategy going forward is developing state-of-the-art, next generation 4.0 electric vehicle platforms.
The business has increased its staff numbers from 850 to 1100 over the year. Contechs seeks to unleash the creativity of every team member so prides itself on its training and development opportunities. It ensures the people at the heart of its operations are supported by a robust internal system and the ongoing investments.
A £5 million expansion plan in Warwick will see the creation of 105 new jobs, new contract wins and substantial investment in new processes and equipment. Contechs aims to further penetrate the European and global markets, with plans for two more sites.
Sertec Group
Sertec Group operates across eight sites, with six manufacturing sites in the Midlands. It specialises in supplying body-in-white components such as aluminium and steel body part components to the automotive industry. While an established lightweight vehicle specialist, Sertec is moving into new markets with a particular focus in expanding into Europe and into the electric vehicle sector.
Within the last 12 months, Sertec has begun work on a new electric vehicle cell and production line at its Coleshill site. Heavy investment into new technology facilities will play an integral role in supercharging Sertec’s business growth, establishing it as one of the sector's leading companies.
The company recently embarked on a recruitment drive to bring in the necessary top-level engineering specialists required to take its electric vehicle expansion plans forward. It also introduced an extensive apprenticeship scheme to run alongside its successful graduate programme, something it is looking to scale up in 2021.
The investment in EV battery technology is fundamental to Sertec's growth. Its ambition to establish itself at the centre of a regional hub for battery technology development and play its part in enhancing the West Midlands region’s reputation as a centre for 海角视频 manufacturing excellence.
The full list of 2021 categories and sponsors is:
- New Business of the Year - sponsored by
- Small Business of the Year
- Manufacturing Business of the Year - sponsored by
- Covid Defiance Award
- Professional Services Firm of the Year
- Property and Construction Business of the Year
- Third Sector Organisation of the Year - sponsored by
- CSR Project of the Year - sponsored by
- International Trade and Export Award
- Young Businessperson of the Year - sponsored by
- Company of the Year (chosen from the category winners)