A COVENTRY-based supplier of seat structures and window regulators are celebrating a 12 month period of rapid growth in style after scooping a national award.
Brose UK won fended off some of UK manufacturing’s best known names to win the ‘Best Overall Factory’ category at Cranfield University’s annual awards ceremony.
Sponsored by Toyota Material Handling UK, Brose impressed judges with the way it has expanded, invested in skills and secured operational efficiencies following a major layout overhaul.
Judges also praised the firm for its investment in new technology after more than £55million was spent on increasing capacity, laser welding capabilities and infrastructure.
In addition to the main title, the company was also awarded Best Engineering Plant – making the night a double celebration.
Juergen Zahl, managing director of Brose UK, said: “Winning the main Best Overall Factory Award is a major milestone for us on our journey and fantastic motivation for us to continue to improve.
“The quality of competition was unbelievable and the process is extremely demanding, starting with a 23-page questionnaire then an intense one-day audit.”
Brose UK currently employs more than 900 people across two plants in Coventry – and has spent the last ten months completing a number of operational layout changes designed to improve supply to Jaguar Land Rover, Nissan and Toyota.
Professor MareK Szwejczewski, director of the Best Factory Award, said: “The Brose Factory at Coventry has been developing its technical capacity and operational performance over the last few years.
“Brose’s excellent technical capability, its manufacturing expertise and operational performance has secured it the top accolade of Toyota Material Handling UK Factory of the Year.”
