CBM Metals Industry Dinner 2008

2008 Metals Industry Dinner

CBM JUDGES CHOOSE THEIR HEROES AND THEY’RE ALL FROM THE MIDLANDS Britain’s national trade association for the metals industry has chosen the four firms who will wear its badges of honour for the coming year. The Confederation of British Metalforming [CBM] held its annual dinner at the Marriott Forest of Arden hotel and the highlight was the 2008 awards. CBM Director General, John Houseman, and his colleagues on the judging panel, had to decide which firms most deserved the four national prizes. “The standard was so high that we have created other award categories, particularly to reflect the outstanding achievements of the metalforming sector in 2007”. The entries highlight the progress metalforming has made in terms of productivity, innovation and value added and would be a credit to any manufacturing sector in the UK. Mr Houseman described all four companies as “heroes of the metalforming industry.” “Our sector is facing its toughest challenges since the early 1990s; ever-increasing competition from low-cost countries, and the constantly rising cost of energy and raw materials, against a backdrop of economic uncertainty,” he said. “It would often make more sense, as one of the winners admitted me, to sell up and walk away. Instead, these firms are fighting back and showing us all just what can be achieved. I salute them all as heroes.”
Component of the Year 2008: Smethwick Drop Forgings The Component of the Year 2008 was awarded to Smethwick Drop Forgings of Kidderminster - sponsored by Acheson Industries (Europe) Ltd. The technical demands placed on CBM members continues to accelerate and this company in particular has risen to this challenge, the steel forging submitted displaced an aluminium component in a straight ‘strength to weight fight’. The winning component was a safety critical suspension arm for a leading car manufacturer. The challenges in forging this particular component were formidable but the finished product demonstrated the best of British forging technology and was an extremely worthy winner of this prestigious award. Director Mark Adams said the award underlined both the dedication and expertise of SDF’s workforce, as well as the firm’s significant investment in new technology. “We pride ourselves on our partnership approach to everything we do, and I was particularly pleased to note the judges’ comments about the way the design team worked to refine the component after the prototype stages,” he added. Tel: 01562 823 451

Supplier of the Year 2008: Carlton Laser Services Leicester based Carlton Laser Services was rated Supplier of the Year 2008. The supplier of the year award was made to the company that has demonstrated performance above the call of duty, demonstrating strategic alliances with both customers and suppliers to provide the best possible service to the industry. They enhance not only their own reputation but of the metalforming sector as a whole. The judges were particularly impressed by the detail and openness of their ‘warts and all’ submission. The Leicester firm specialises in laser-cut and CNC-punched metal components for a wide range of manufacturers and OEMs. Significant investment in equipment and processes has enabled it to sharply expand its customer base. Chairman Dennis Kent said: “It’s always nice to be recognised for what you do and for the effort you have put in. I thanked the workforce for arming me with the ammunition to win the award.” “Our employees have enabled us to differentiate ourselves from the competition, and I think this also sends out the right messages, not just to our existing customers, but to potential ones.” www.carltonlaser.co.uk

Company of the Year 2008: Metsec Plc Oldbury based Metsec Plc secures Company of the Year Award - sponsored by Pro Enviro. This is presented to the company that impressed the judges the most in the areas of continuous improvement in terms of training, investment, sustainability and commitment to manufacturing in the UK. Having invested over £30m in the last 8 years, it has now become the market leader in their sector. Sir Digby Jones (now Lord Jones of Birmingham) described this company as 'a shining example of the best of modern British manufacturing. It has a Black Country heritage stretching over 75 years and it continues to succeed because it produces high quality products at competitive prices. It also delivers excellent customer service through continuous investment in both its people and its equipment'. Managing Director Erle Andrews said the award “reflected the dedication and commitment of every one of Metsec’s 450 employees.” “We think that as a company we have both raised our profile and become a successful business. This award is also recognition of the high service standards which we set out to achieve,” he added. www.metsec.com

Outstanding Achievement of the Year 2008: Kimber Drop Forgings Kimber Drop Forgings from Cradley Heath secured the special award for Outstanding Achievement. This award was recommended for the determination and strategic thinking behind their achievements. The management team refused to let one of the oldest forging names in the forging industry die and set about rebuilding the company physically, commercially and technically. The company has now been extremely successful in this endeavour raising turnover per employee to record levels. Chairman Larry Joyce said: “The reward for making some bold decisions, including moving away from traditional markets and installing a new management team, has been a profitable company which is considered 'world-class' by our international customers.“ “This award has meant that our workforce, without whom none of this would have been possible, can feel that their efforts have been recognised by their peers within the industry." www.kimberdropforgings.co.uk

CBM would like to thank all sponsors: