Manufacturers land top regional awards

Schneider Electric (UK), which makes electrical distribution and control equipment from its home in Stafford Park, won the environmental efficiency award.

The award goes to the manufacturer that has done the most to improve its environmental performance.

It was joined on the winner's podium by Stadco, the pressings maker for the automotive industry - pictured above - which won the Health and Safety Award for the second successive year.

The award recognises the manufacturer that has achieved the most impressive or innovative improvements in the health and safety culture of their workplace.

Caterpillar in Shrewsbury was also a winner, coming joint top with Birmingham-based software specialist Mercato Solutions in the Business Efficiency Award, which looks at productivity and business performance.

Carl D'Ammassa, group managing director for business finance at Aldermore, said: "The range and calibre of entries makes these companies' achievement even more impressive. Their success demonstrates the real depth of drive, vision and innovation amongst local manufacturers and we wish Schneider Electric (UK), Caterpillar and Stadco the best of luck for the national finals."

Stadco employs more than 1,100 people at its plants in Telford, Shrewsbury, Powys and Castle Bromwich, while Schneider Electric has 4,500 staff across its UK operation. Caterpillar has 360 staff in Shrewsbury.

The companies were selected by a panel of judges drawn from business leaders, industry experts and academics and were up against stiff competition from a range businesses, large and small, from across the region.

Schneider Electric (UK) and Stadco will now go on to compete for national titles at an awards gala dinner in London in January.

Mark Jones, sustainability manager at Schneider, said: "This award is a testament to the team's ongoing dedication and hard work, and we are delighted to have won. It's fantastic to get this far." and we are looking forward to the national finals in January to see how we measure up against other leading manufacturers from across the UK."

Simon Randall, head of environment (health and safety) at Stadco, added: "To win this award for the second consecutive year is a direct reflection of the hard work of every person in the organisation. Ensuring safety at work is a priority of ours and we are hopeful of gaining further recognition of this in the national finals."