TPi January 2013

Pipex wins 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. 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, and the companies who are chosen go on to the final stage and present to another panel of judges at the Institute Of Mechanical Engineers at Birdcage Walk, London. 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 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.

Pipex px – UK www.pipexpx.com

Institution of Mechanical Engineers – UK www.imeche.org

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