Best Factory Awards 2013 shortlist revealed

The 14-strong Best Factory Awards shortlist spans sites from global giants Sony and Siemens to SME wireless fire detection maker, EMS Radio Fire & Security Systems The finalists come from all corners of industry, with products ranging from teabags to material for airbags and professional broadcast cameras. All 14 sites have displayed the manufacturing excellence celebrated by the Best Factory Awards, run by Cranfield School of Management in partnership with Works Management magazine. There are second straight final appearances for Cummins Power Generation, Ramsgate, which won the Most Improved Plant prize at last year's BFAs, and Sony UK Technology Centre, Pencoed, a highly commended factory in 2012. Return finalists also include Fujifilm of Broadstairs, Siemens of Congleton and EMS Radio Fire & Security Systems, Herne Bay, which picked up BFA wins between 2004 and 2011. Dr Marek Szwejczewski, director of the Best Factory Awards, commented: "This year's awards generated a high number of entries, all of a very high calibre. This is very encouraging for UK manufacturing, showing the sector is very much alive; figures released last week from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show manufacturing output surged in June at the strongest pace since 2010." WM editor Max Gosney added: "From electronic printed circuit boards to car valeting kits and mattresses, the Best Factory Awards finalists show the glorious depth of products still being made in Great Britain. Reading over this shortlist is like lifting the lid on a long-forgotten treasure chest. Homegrown factories, widely believed to be lost forever, come out shining like resplendent gemstones." The 14 finalists will compete for category prizes including the Export Award and Most Improved Plant as well as the coveted overall prize of Toyota Material Handling Factory of the Year. Winners will be announced at the Best Factory Awards on 27 September at 8 Northumberland Avenue, London. Tickets are selling out fast, with early bird discounts only available for bookings made in the next few weeks. Secure your place by calling 01322 221144 or email julie.knox@findlay.co.uk.

The full Best Factory Awards 2013 shortlist: Cummins Power Generation, Manston, Ramsgate – Constructs diesel and gas-powered generators for primary and secondary standby power. Herman Miller, Chippenham - Manufactures high quality seating for offices. Vi-Spring, Ernesettle, Plymouth – Produces quality hand-crafted mattresses and divans for the global marketplace. Tharsus Vision, Blyth – The plant provides original equipment design and manufacture services (OEDM). EMS Radio Fire & Security Systems, Herne Bay, Kent – Designs and manufactures wire-free fire detection equipment. Siemens Industry Sector, Drives Technology, Congleton – Manufactures variable speed drives. FujiFilm Speciality Ink Systems, Broadstairs, Kent – Produces digital flexo and screen printing inks. Milliken European Airbag Products, Bury, Lancs – Manufacturers airbag fabric and airbag components for automotives. Sony UK Technology Centre, Pencoed – The factory produces broadcast and professional camera solutions, and undertakes collaborative manufacturing solutions for customers. Eaton Production International, Industrial Control Division, Worksop – Manufactures switch disconnectors and cam switches. Autoglym, Letchworth, Herts – Produces products used in the cleaning and polishing of vehicles. Bosch Thermotechnology, Worcester – Manufactures high efficiency heating and hot water appliances. D S Smith Packaging, Livingston – Manufactures and prints corrugated fibreboard packaging. Tata Global Beverages, Eaglescliffe, Stockton-on-Tees – Manufactures Tetley tea bags.