Tension builds ahead of BFA finals day

Thirteen 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 3M and Coca-Cola to SMEs InterFlex Group and Prism Electronics. The shortlisted companies come from all corners of industry, with products ranging from gas sensors to aluminium plate and fizzy drinks. 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. Professor Marek Szwejczewski, director of the Best Factory Awards said: "The awards recognise and honour those UK manufacturers who are leading the way when it comes to continuous improvement and delivering superior results for their customers. "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 and thriving even in the turbulent times in which we are living." WM group editor Max Gosney added: "The variety of sectors represented among our finalists points to a flourishing UK manufacturing industry and is testimony to the high calibre of the men and women who work in this vibrant sector. "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