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Analox is shortlisted for top manufacturing award

Analox Ltd, the Stokesley-based manufacturer of gas analysis equipment, has been named as a finalist in the prestigious Best Factory Awards 2012.

Analox Ltd is one of only three North East firms shortlisted – the others are Entek International Ltd of Killingworth, Newcastle, and General Mills Berwick Ltd, of Berwick upon Tweed in Northumberland. In total, 14 finalists have been selected by Cranfield School of Management which is running the awards for the 21styear. The aim of the awards is to celebrate manufacturing excellence in the UK.

For more than 30 years, Analox Ltd has designed and manufactured gas analysis equipment for a variety of niche markets, including military, commercial and sport diving and the hospitality industry. Many of Analox’s products are market leaders in their sectors.

Emma Harbottle, Head of Operations Manager for Analox Ltd, said: “As part of the assessment, judges for The Best Factory Awards spent a day at Analox’s factory, not only meeting management but also talking to staff on the shop floor. This nomination therefore reflects the whole team at Analox, and everyone’s commitment to continuous improvement throughout our business.

“Following the award entry, and assessment, the highly-respected Cranfield School of Management will supply us with a benchmarking report. We consider this a vital tool which will enable us to make valuable comparisons with similar companies, highlighting areas where Analox can improve further.”

Dr Marek Szwejczewski, Director of the Best Factory Awards, commented: “All of the finalists are beacons of excellence, driven by the desire to improve and excel. Our awards aim to recognise their achievements and highlight systems and processes that others can learn from. The best factories in Britain are focused on delivering value to their customers, ensuring their employees are engaged and well trained, while also continually investing in their production facilities.”

The Best Factory Awards 2012 are run by Cranfield School of Management with the magazine Works Management and sponsored by Toyota Material Handling UK, IOSH, Schaeffler, Zurich, EAL and Epicor.

In addition to the Factory of the Year Award, there are 13 other awards: Best Process Plant Award; Best Engineering Plant Award; Best Electronics and Electrical Plant Award; Best Household and General Products Plant Award; Best SME; People Management Award; Skills Development Award; Supply Chain Award; Most Improved Plant Award; Health & Safety Award; Innovation Award; Energy and Environment Award and the Judges’ Special Award. The winners of the awards will be announced at a ceremony at the Sheraton Park Lane Hotel, London, on Tuesday, 28thSeptember, 2012.

Analox Ltd is based in Stokesley, North Yorkshire, and specialises in the design and manufacture of gas analysers for military and commercial use.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Emma Hignett, i2i Business Solutions .