Welsh apprentices and Cwmbran firm strike gold at regional manufacturing awards

A Cwmbran-based producer of aircraft seats has struck gold at a prestigious regional manufacturing awards ceremony, taking home four honours on the night.

(Safran Seats with two of the four awards they took home. Credit: Make UK)

Several other companies and a host of apprentices based in Wales were also deserved winners and received recognition at the black-tie event organised by Make UK, the manufacturer’s organisation, which represents industry across the UK.

The awards, held at the Vale Resort in Hensol, Vale of Glamorgan, recognised the achievements of companies and apprentices from across Wales, with the winners now going on to the National Finals which will be held in London in January.

One of those winners was Safran Seats, who were named Manufacturer of the Region and swept to victory in three other categories: Developing Future Talent; Energy and Sustainability; and Manufacturing Matters. The company produces seats for passenger and technical aircraft and according to their website, has equipped more than a million seats for some of the world’s major airlines.

(Safran Seats with two of the four awards they took home. Credit: Make UK)

They were commended by judges for their local voluntary and fundraising work, as well as for having a strong skills foundation for all employees and particularly those at entry-level. They also received credit for taking sustainability extremely seriously – after transitioning to 100% green electricity, installing LED lights across the business and an electric vehicle charging station to serve their electric van fleet.

Other winners on the night included: Port Talbot’s Rhino Systems Limited who were recognised in the Business Growth and Strategy category; Celsa UK, based in Cardiff, who won the Health, Safety and Wellbeing award for successes in health and safety, such as improved employees’ morale and reduction of accidents; GOS Tool & Engineering Services Ltd from Pontypool who received the Innovation prize; and Customised Sheet Metal from Bridgend who picked up the SME (small to medium-sized enterprise) of the Year gong for their “exceptional initiative, boldness, and dynamism” which has seen the company grow through testing times and into a bright future.

There was also recognition for some apprentices in the manufacturing field. Joseph Williams, of Magellan Aerospace near Wrexham received the Apprentice Endeavour Award, while Millie Francis-Owen from Raytheon UK’s hub in Broughton, Flintshire was named Engineering Apprentice Rising Star. Lauren Lloyd of Sony UK’s Technology Centre in Pencoed received the Business Apprentice Rising Star honour while there were also awards for Beth Scragg and Cain Hullah of Airbus UK.

Robert Palmer, Managing Director of Isoclad & Securiclad said:

“The driver for our success at Isoclad & Securiclad is innovation. We constantly strive for continuous improvement of everything we do. We admire Make UK and their focus on creating the most supportive environment for UK manufacturers to thrive, innovate, and compete. This is why Isoclad & Securiclad are so very proud to sponsor ‘Make UK’s’ Innovation award 2023.” 

Dan Hulme, Carbon Consultant for the UK Manufacturing Sector at Inspired PLC said:

“As a passionate advocate for innovation and excellence in manufacturing, I am honoured to continue my support for the Make UK Awards for a third consecutive year. At Inspired PLC, we understand the pivotal role that exceptional manufacturing practices play in driving economic growth and progress; so being a part of the judging panel for these prestigious awards allows us to celebrate the ingenuity and dedication within the industry.

“We eagerly anticipate witnessing the remarkable accomplishments of manufacturers. I’d also like to extend my best wishes to all the finalists in the ‘Energy and Sustainability’ category. Your dedication to fostering positive change in the manufacturing sector is truly commendable, and I look forward to seeing your contributions acknowledged and celebrated at the National award ceremonies.”

About Make UK

Make UK, The Manufacturers’ Organisation, is the representative voice of UK manufacturing, with offices in London, Brussels, every English region and Wales.

Collectively we represent 20,000 companies of all sizes, from start-ups to multinationals, across engineering, manufacturing, technology and the wider industrial sector. We directly represent over 5,000 businesses who are members of Make UK. Everything we do – from providing essential business support and training to championing manufacturing industry in the UK and the EU – is designed to help British manufacturers compete, innovate and grow.

From HR and employment law, health and safety to environmental and productivity improvement, our advice, expertise and influence enables businesses to remain safe, compliant and future-focused.