Materials handling specialist backs UK manufacturers

Toyota has built up a strong relationship with the Best Factory Awards and has been overall sponsor since 2010, handing the Factory of the Year prize over to the site adjudged best in the UK. Last year, this was Parker Hannifin Manufacturing in County Durham; in 2010 it was Siemens Mobility, Poole. The awards scheme, run by Cranfield School of Management and Works Management, is recognised as the most rigorous and long-running programme of its kind – and Toyota sees great value in aligning itself with the recognition and promotion of business excellence. Tony Wallis (pictured), operations director at Toyota Material Handling, said: "From our viewpoint, if you want to be seen as an organisation promoting excellence in manufacturing in the UK, then there is no better way than to be associated with awards that reflect those standards." Entries to the 2012 Best Factory Awards will be judged from next month, with judges visiting the shortlisted sites during the summer. The winners will be revealed at a glittering ceremony in London on 28 September 2012.