01 Jul 2004
Following a tough selection and auditing process, BAE Systems Submarines Fabrication Department, in Barrow-in-Furness, who manufacture the primary structure of submarines, was announced as the winner of the Sandvik Coromant Award for Process Innovation at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers' (IMechE) prestigious Manufacturing Excellence Awards 2004, held at the Dorchester Hotel, London, on 29 June.
John Ling, IMechE Technical Manager, comments, BAE Systems has consistently demonstrated to the judges, via their written submissions, visits to the site and presentations, that they have developed innovative and functional operating processes which were second to none. Indeed, it is companies such as BAE Systems that demonstrate the excellence that still remains within British manufacturing and engineering, and should be recognised as a modern, forward thinking organisation which other companies should model themselves upon.
Graham Hempsall, Head of Manufacturing, BAE Systems Submarines, said We are delighted and honoured to have achieved this award. This has been a team effort, utilising the skills and knowledge of each and every member of the manufacturing department. This achievement has been made possible by the pride and passion the team have shown in developing our manufacturing processes - we are delighted.
The key speaker for the evening was Nigel Griffiths MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Small Business and Enterprise, who spoke about a number of Government initiatives being implemented to encourage prosperity in UK manufacturing.
Partners and Sponsors of the Manufacturing Excellence Awards 2004, in alphabetical order, are:
Barclays, DTI, EEF, IBM, KellySearch, Manufacturing Advisory Service, Manufacturing Foundation, Professional Engineering, Renishaw, RSM Robson Rhodes, Sandvik Coromant and Warwick Manufacturing Group.
Notes to Editors
The Institution of Mechanical Engineers has 77,000 members worldwide, and is the natural home for all involved with mechanical engineering. It represents mechanical engineers involved in a diversity of fields including transport, medical engineering (creating replacement knee and hip joints, heart valves and artificial limbs), designing manufacturing processes, clockwork radios and dentist drills, building formula one cars, jet engines and space modules, to name but a few
For press enquiries please contact Richard Campbell on tel: 020 7304 6833 or email r_campbell@imeche.org.uk
Award Categories
- Kellysearch Award for Customer Focus
- Renishaw Award for Product Innovation
- Sandvik Coromant Award for Process Innovation
- Warwick Manufacturing Group Award for Resource Efficiency
- IMechE Award for Change Management
- Professional Engineering Award for People Effectiveness
- Manufacturing Foundation Award for Best Partnership between Business and Education
- IBM/CATIA Award for Best Practice in IT
- Barclays Award for Best Financial Performance
Award Prizes
- Manufacturing Advisory Service Award for Manufacturing Excellence Overall Winner
- RSM Robson Rhodes Award for Manufacturing Excellence Best Small or Medium Enterprise
- All Winners receive a prestigious custom made trophy in recognition of their success
