Tension builds ahead of BFA finals day

Fourteen factories will be fighting it out for accolades including the Energy & Environment Award, Export Award and overall top prize of Toyota Material Handling Factory of the Year. The finalists range from global giants Siemens and Sony to SMEs, EMS Radio Fire & Security Systems and Tharsus Group. The shortlisted companies come from all corners of industry, with products ranging from teabags to material for airbags and professional broadcast cameras. The winners will be joined by special guest speaker and shadow manufacturing minister Iain Wright- who will reveal what industrial policy could look like under a Miliband government. The Best Factory awards have helped promote UK manufacturing excellence since 1992 and are run by Cranfield School of Management in partnership with Works Management. Dr Marek Szwejczewski, director of the Best Factory Awards said: "Our awards aim to recognise the achievements of those factories that are setting the standard for British manufacturing and highlight systems and processes that others can learn from." 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. "We're all looking forward to a celebration of unsung British manufacturing heroes this Friday." Tickets are still available. Secure your place by calling 01322 221144 or email julie.knox@findlay.co.uk.