Advanced Insulation, a Gloucester-based manufacturer, became national runner-up in the ‘innovation’ category for the creation of its subsea insulation system, ContraTherm C25, at the EEF Future Manufacturing Awards, held in London, UK.

In November, the company won in four categories for the South West region, including health and safety, developing people, innovation and the intermediate and advanced first year apprentice, before progressing to the national ceremony held at Grand Connaught Rooms in London, said a statement.

At a time when UK manufacturing output is at its strongest in a decade, Advanced Insulation, a company that works in several markets including oil and gas, marine and liquified natural gas (LNG), took home silver for the innovation award, it said.

This innovation category was sponsored by the high value manufacturing (HVM) Catapult. The award celebrates manufacturing innovation whether demonstrated through product development or operating practices that have driven greater productivity, efficiency or business growth.

Advanced Insulation was selected by a panel of judges drawn from business leaders, industry experts and academics. The company was up against tough competition from a range of dynamic manufacturers, small and large, from across the UK, it added.

Andrew Bennion, managing director at Advanced Insulation, said: “Innovation has been at the heart of the business since its formation in 2007.”

“To place second in a competitive field against some of the top manufacturers in the UK is a great accomplishment and helps to reaffirm our position as a company that can create innovative solutions for operations in increasingly challenging environments,” he said.

“By far the best moment of the evening, however, was when our apprentice, Ben Townsend, won his award in the first year of his apprenticeship. He was up against talent from companies such as Dyson, BAE Systems and Airbus to win the ‘Intermediate & Advanced First Year Apprentice Award’,” he added.

“We are extremely pleased for Townsend, his family and the patternmaking team,” Bennion concluded. – TradeArabia News Service