News: Success for Rotherham at Made In Sheffield Awards

Rotherham-based AESSEAL and The University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) with Boeing, both picked up awards at the Made in Sheffield Awards, held recently as part of the Global Manufacturing Festival: Sheffield.

A gala dinner at Cutlers' Hall in Sheffield drew together a gathering of more than 300 business leaders, alongside Deputy Prime Minister and Sheffield MP Nick Clegg.

The awards recognise the achievements of businesses and individuals that have done the most to embody South Yorkshire's tradition for craftsmanship and bolster the city region's international reputation.

Clegg told the audience that he was "convinced with every fibre in my being" that manufacturing would be at the forefront of a new model of sustainable growth.

He went on to stress the undoubted importance that the work taking place within the city's manufacturing and engineering companies is currently playing in the UK's economic recovery.

Clegg continued: "The hopes of the whole country are genuinely on what you (manufacturers and engineers) can achieve. Most of the hard work needs to be done by you. You are the innovators, you are the creators and you are the designers."

Chris Rea, group managing director of AESSEAL, picked up the Innovation Award at the event, which was sponsored by Sheffield Hallam University. The Templeborough company received the award for being a business where "innovation ran throughout the company and was being exported across the world."

AESSEAL is the world's fourth largest mechanical seal business and has an active research and development programme, reinvesting literally millions per year in further improving the designs. The company has 54 patents granted, with a further 46 pending, and operates 158 trademarks.

Chris Rea said: "I absolutely adore my involvement with the innovation process. Useful inventions are good for our morale, good for our customers and an essential ingredient for a sustainable business."

Fellow Rotherham firm, EMSc UK were also shortlisted. Alex Mardapittas, managing director, at EMSc (UK) Ltd, said: "We are proud to have been shortlisted for another innovation award. It is not too disappointing to have been beaten to second place by AESSEAL, the world's fourth largest seal manufacturer. Like us AESSEAL has innovation at the heart of its business. Well done AESSEAL."

Continuing the Rotherham-theme, Fripp Design and Research, based on the Advanced Manufacturing Park, designed the innovation trophy.

The Manufacturer Support Award was issued to The AMRC for its pivotal role in the city's manufacturing revival.

Earlier this month, The AMRC was named as part of the country's first Technology and Innovation Centre (TIC). The High Value Manufacturing TIC will be a national focus for advanced manufacturing research and development, with the scale and readiness to make an early and significant contribution to UK economic growth.

Rotherham companies that demonstrate their commitment to producing high-quality products can apply for the world famous "Made In Sheffield" mark as they have Sheffield "S" postcode.

AESSEAL website
AMRC website
Made In Sheffield website

Images: Fripp Design