TPI July 2012

business & market news

Pipex wins second IMechE award The Manufacturing Excellence Awards is an annual award scheme for the UK manufacturing industry, supporting and honouring manufacturing success. Run by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) for over 25 years, the awards attract entries from manufacturing businesses in all sectors. and the companies who are chosen go onto the final stage and present to another panel of judges at the Institute Of Mechanical Engineers at Birdcage Walk, London.

to support them on their journey during these difficult economic times.”

Pipex px, established in 1975 by entrepreneurial founder and chairman Alan Smith, is a privately owned, family-run manufacturer of corrosion resistant thermoplastics and advanced composites. In addition to manufacture, the company offers design, project management, installation and specialist services. Some of the company’s design collaborations have produced a unique passive rainwater harvesting toilet system, a raised platform solution for rural train stations (HUMP™), and a ground-breaking handrail system (MARRS™) that incorporates a continuous top rail for optimum safety.

Tom Smith, CEO of Pipex px, commented, “To be announced as a winner of a prestigious MX Award, and for the second consecutive year, is both a huge compliment and motivation for our business and our people, and validates our ethos to place ‘producing excellence’ at the heart of everything we do.” In 2010 Pipex px won the Best SME at the Manufacturing Excellence Awards, and is one of only three companies to gain an award for a second consecutive year. IMechE chief executive Stephen Tetlow said, “Pipex’s win is hugely encouraging for manufacturing in Plymouth and UK manufacturing more generally. The Manufacturing Excellence programme is not just about celebrating manufacturing success around the country, but about providing practical advice for businesses

At the latest awards ceremony, Pipex px ® , a manufacturer of pipe systems, bespoke fabrications and structures, was presented with the Barclays Corporate Award for Financial Management. The company was also a finalist in four other awards categories: Customer Focus; People Effectiveness; Business Development and Change Management; and Sustainable Manufacturing. The assessment process for entrants involves completing an in-depth audit application. Those who are successful at this stage then have on-site visits by a panel of business and manufacturing experts, who decide which companies progress to the next phase. After the on-site visits the shortlist is announced,

Pipex px – UK claireburgwin@pipexpx.com www.pipexpx.com

Institution of Mechanical Engineers – UK enquiries@imeche.org www.imeche.org

IPP establishes new business IPP Group has announced that International Piping Products Middle East FZC opened for business in April. We are known as the global network with a local hub and we continue to expand on this focus.”

metallurgical laboratory at one of the UK’s largest testing facilities. Mr Rigby has industry-recognised engineering design qualifications, a foundation degree in metallurgy, and was a 2003 finalist at The British Academy Young Engineer of the Year. He is a member of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining. Mr Tolen has spent the last three years developing his knowledge at IPP Mardale and has an excellent knowledge of quality systems. During his time at Mardale he has been instrumental in ensuring that the company complies fully with its customers’ stringent specifications.

IPP Group has also announced two new appointments for IPP Mardale. Andy Rigby will join the company as technical sales manager, and Paul Tolen has been appointed as IPP Mardale QA manager and IPP Group QA manager. Mr Rigby will also have a group role as group metallurgy and technical product development, to fully utilise his qualifications as a metallurgist, and his experience in the materials testing industry. He was recently technical engineer and projects manager for a respected UK company and his past experience includes laboratory manager, jointly responsible for the

Jared Ayres, CEO of IPP Group, said, “IPP Middle East FZC has established a base closer to its existing clients enabling the group to strengthen its current relationships, as well as open up new opportunities in the MENA region. Ian Crabtree, group sales director for IPP Europe has been promoted to managing director, International Piping Products Middle East FZC.” Mr Crabtree commented, “IPP has experienced significant growth in the MENA region and we realised to strengthen and build on our relationships and develop new opportunities we needed a local base.

IPP Group – UK sales@ippgrp.com www.ippgrp.com

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Tube Products International July 2012

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