Triple hit for Gripple may pave the way towards more recognition

In the UK manufacturing industry’s most sought-after award scheme, the manufacturer of the world-beating wire fastener, Gripple has been short-listed in each category entered.

The Manufacturer MX Awards, in partnership annually with The Manufacturer and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), are acknowledged universally as the gold standard for bench-marking performance across a range of manufacturing categories, large and small.

This year Gripple has been shortlisted in the Young Manufacturer of the Year, Export and People and Skills categories.

Shortlisted as the Young Manufacturer of the Year is Kyle Raffo, who was Gripple’s first shop floor apprentice. He is proving to be a fast-tracking manufacturing staff member. After eight years he is on the way to being a Gripple leader.

Evolving over 28 years Gripple is now the global market leader with a 15% market share, exporting to over 90 countries, with 86% of turnover outside the UK providing fencing solutions for agriculture and suspension systems for the construction industry.

Gripple is an employee-owned company, where corporate information is shared with staff who live by and engage with corporate values. An appraisal process and training programme produce improved performance.

Nick Peter, editorial director of The Manufacturer; commented “There are dozens of awards programmes in the manufacturing sector, but The Manufacturer MX Awards stand head and shoulders above them all as they are tested in a way no other programme does.”

The shortlisted companies face the rigorous second round judging process with site visits in September by the judging panel to eight of the categories with the remaining categories judged in September when they will present to an expert panel. The winners are announced in November.

Gripple managing director, Ed Stubbs said: “This is marvellous news and testament to everyone’s hard work and commitment. I know that all will carry on and get to work for the next assessments.”

For further press information please contact Margaret Laver at Proactive PR on 07723 010 752 or margaret@proactivepr.org.uk.