News: Success for Rotherham firms at Made In Sheffield awards

Rotherham companies picked up three of the six prestigious Made In Sheffield awards at a recent ceremony.

The awards represent one of the world's most famous brands, symbolising quality manufacturing and celebrate local companies who wear the symbol of the Sheffield city region's ongoing commitment to quality and excellence.

Rotherham firms can apply for the Made In Sheffield mark as they hold a Sheffield "S" postcode but in order to be awarded the mark, a company must first demonstrate their commitment to producing high-quality products.

AESSEAL plc, won the overall award with judges noting their phenomenal and consistent growth, along with its firm commitment to the Sheffield city region. The Templeborough company is the world's fourth-largest manufacturer of mechanical seals.

Judges also highlighted its customer service and innovation and how it encourages people development at all levels of the organisation. Stating that "it was everything that makes a good company a great company."

Chris Rea, OBE, managing director of AESSEAL, said: "Made in Sheffield is a fantastic and globally-recognised brand. AESSEAL is a local business that sells globally and our association as the overall winner with the Made in Sheffield brand will undoubtedly help drive our business performance."

Fellow Rotherham business, Newburgh picked up two awards on the night, winning the Investment in People Award and employee, Luke Thickett was named Apprentice of the Year.

The judges said that Templeborough-based Newburgh has invested in people over a period of time with a consistent and dedicated approach, from apprentices to management.

Luke was recognised as someone who had over-achieved at a young age. Luke has been trusted to work on precision products for the 1,000 mph Bloodhound supercar. He worked on gearbox casings for 12 weeks, ensuring the finished product is to the highest quality standards – levels equal to those used in aerospace manufacturing and Formula 1.

Over 300 of the city region's biggest and best manufacturers attended the event at the Cutlers Hall. Guest speakers included Dr Karl-Ulrich Köhler, chief executive and managing director of Tata Steel Europe – which has steelmaking operations in Rotherham and Sheffield – and Richard Caborn, former Labour MP for Sheffield Central and Government Minister.

Dr Köhler, said: "The companies located here are a real roll-call of quality: Boeing, Rolls-Royce, Firth Rixson, AESSEAL, Dormer Tools, Gripple, Sheffield Forgemasters, Davy Markham, Newburgh Engineering, Kostal, Koyo Bearings, Marshall Aerospace and Peglers.

"A centre of excellence for high-technology precision engineering, boasting globally recognised companies, including Doncasters Group, Technicut, Swann Morton, Symmetry Medical and IFA.

"A region at the vanguard of innovation in special metals – ATI Allvac, Outokumpu, and ourselves at Tata Steel.

"And the Sheffield region is home to thousands of small and medium size enterprises providing highly skilled jobs that boost the economy.

"We can see from the example of Sheffield that manufacturing in the UK has a wonderful past and is showing the way in an uncertain present. Now we have the opportunity to give it a great future."

AESSEAL website

Newburgh website

Made In Sheffield website

Images: AESSEAL