Firms celebrated at the Made in Northern Ireland Awards 2024...who were the winners?

Manufacturing and engineering firms that are developing new innovative ideas, and delivering high-quality products and services, were celebrated at the Made in Northern Ireland Awards 2024.

Held at Titanic Belfast, the event was compered by Ian Moore and sponsored by Bank of Ireland UK, cargo-partner, Cleaver Fulton Rankin, MCS Group, Power NI and Strategic Power Connect.

Digital Technology AwardWinner: MJM MarineMJM Marine is a global specialist in cruise ship refurbishment, refit and interior fit-out services. The company has developed ERP implementation and 3D drafting and design software that has enabled them to work smarter, not harder, and to deliver high-quality projects that meet customer expectations. This greatly impressed the judges.

Shortlisted:

Scanmatix

Elite Electronic SystemsRaptor Photonics

Manufacturing Start-up AwardSponsored by Strategic Power ConnectWinner: REP-TECREP-TEC was set up to address labour shortages and increased regulatory controls in the waste and recycling sector. Specialising in data-led automated solutions, REP-TEC has achieved significant growth in a short time, expanding staff numbers to over 20. The judges were impressed with the company's strong leadership, innovative products, and excellent service.

Shortlisted:VikelaGrays ClipDecent Simulators

Manufacturing Future Talent AwardWinner: The Rathbane GroupThe Rathbane Group is a global manufacturer and contractor, supplying pre-construction, project management, design, and manufacturing for premium-quality interior fit-outs. The judges noted that last year the company's Navigate Programme registered a total of 97 young participants, among them were 17 placement students, 25 graduates, 39 apprentices, and 16 higher-level apprentices across the group. Truly impressive.

Shortlisted:DenroyLakeland Dairies NI

Export AwardSponsored by cargo-partnerWinner: Eakin HealthcareEakin Healthcare specialises in manufacturing and supplying medical devices for ostomy, wound, respiratory and surgical needs. Its products and services are available in over 60 countries around the world. The judges noted that, such is the demand for its products overseas, that Eakin has invested £4m in a dedicated manufacturing facility in Coleraine, which will treble current output when it opens later this year.

Shortlisted:Circular GroupInspecVisionRaptor PhotonicsThe Deluxe GroupHaemoband Surgical

Manufacturing Innovation AwardSponsored by MCSWinner: Thales UKThales has developed its Industry 4.0 Connected Cell, a unique Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT) architecture co-developed in Belfast with the NI Technology Centre and others. The Cell standardises and simplifies the integration of digital tools and the management of data to enable SME manufacturers to maximise their potential productivity. The scope and impact of this made Thales the outstanding company according to the judges.

Shortlisted:Derry Precision ToolsJames Leckey DesignPAC GroupMallaghan EngineeringDenroy

Food & Drink AwardWinner: Lakeland Dairies NILakeland Dairies is a leading dairy cooperative, specialising in dairy ingredients and foodservice solutions. The judges noted that not only has the business embedded sustainability practices into its production processes, it has also expanded into new markets in South America and Asia, which has required further recruitment into Lakeland's international team. These facts made it the stand-out business in this category.

Shortlisted:Crawfords RockPrep HouseBenergy BreakfastCrust & Crumb BakeryAround NoonClandeboye Estate YoghurtFeedwell Dog Food

Apprentice of the YearWinner: Dylan Lewis, TerexDylan started with Terex in 2019 as an apprentice, progressing to a higher level apprentice, while working in Terex's New Product Introduction workshop. According to his submission, Dylan has been a true asset to Terex throughout his apprenticeship. His journey exemplifies growth, professionalism, teamwork, and continuous learning, making invaluable contributions to the company’s product development and customer satisfaction.

Shortlisted:Abby Crawford, JMG SystemsBen Harrison, The Deluxe GroupSarah Martin, Elite Electronic SystemsAndrea Conroy, BSK EngineeringJoe McCabe, MJM MarineMark Woods, McCueShania McGuigan, Mallaghan EngineeringCarter McDonald, Off the Wall Creative

Medical, Life Sciences & Healthcare AwardWinner: James Leckey DesignJames Leckey Design is a global leader in the design, development, and manufacture of innovative therapy equipment, which improves the lives of children with additional needs. The judges were impressed that Leckey employs a full clinical team and includes them as integral members of the R&D process working alongside designers, production and quality engineers, resulting in a range of innovative products which focus on the needs of the child first.

Shortlisted:Eakin HealthcareDecent SimulatorsHaemoband Surgical

Sustainable/Ethical Manufacturer AwardSponsored by Power NIWinner: Camden GroupCamden is the largest trade manufacturer of uPVC doors and windows in the UK and Irish markets. The company's decarbonisation efforts include operating a closed-loop manufacturing facility diverting up to 160 tonnes of old uPVC frames from landfill every week into 80 per cent of our new products. The judges felt Camden, whose products are the most sustainable from cradle to gate on the market due to our circular manufacturing approach, were the outstanding candidate for the award.

Shortlisted:TerexClandeboye Estate YoghurtRegency Carpet ManufacturingMivan

Manufacturer of the Year (under £25m)Sponsored by Cleaver Fulton RankinWinner: DenroyDenroy is an innovator in the design and manufacture of engineered polymer components and solutions. Last year the company expanded its factory site by almost 18,000 sq ft, which has increased production, assembly, and packing capacity. The expansion has also solidified Denroy's position as an industry leader and secured the company’s future for increased capacity and growth, greatly impressing the judges.

Shortlisted:Heron JoinerySperrin Metal ProductsCircular GroupPAC GroupFeedwell Dog FoodOff The Wall CreativeJames Leckey DesignTribe Technology Group

Manufacturer of the Year (over £25m)Sponsored by Bank of IrelandWinner: MivanMivan is a global leader of luxury fit-out and marine outfitting, renowned for delivering unparalleled excellence across diverse sectors. The judges were hugely impressed that Mivan nearly tripled its turnover in the last 12 months. This amazing growth was propelled by the company securing the largest contract in its history, worth £75m.

Shortlisted:McAvoySpringfarm Manufacturing Mouldings (SAM)Elite Electronic Systems