TWO firms have picked up a total of three industry awards between them at a recent awards ceremony.

Wyke-based Nufarm UK Ltd picked up the company of the year prize, while BASF plc’s Bradford site won awards for reputation and innovation, at the Chemical Industry Awards.

Organisers praised Nufarm, a leading crop protection and specialist seeds company. The Wyke manufacturing facility was acquired by Nufarm in 2008.

They said: “The passion, competence and resourcefulness of the team convinced Nufarm to concentrate activities in the UK despite some negative attitudes towards manufacturing in UK at a global level.

“Subsequent performance has confirmed this to be the right decision. Ongoing improvements to cost, quality and risk will enable the site to remain globally competitive.”

BASF’s Bradford site received the GSK Innovation Award for its new BioAcrylamide plant - a successful example of innovation at work.

BASF switched over its production process for monomer acrylamide – used to produce water-soluble flocculation aids for wastewater treatment, enhanced oil recovery, mineral processing and papermaking – to a modern enzyme-based process.

The new process results in less waste, lower energy consumption and greater environmental compatibility and is easier to convert into the final polymer.

In addition The Kids’ Lab at BASF Bradford won the reputation award, which recognises the company that has demonstrated excellence in managing and enhancing its external reputation with key stakeholders.

BASF Kids’ Lab is a learning opportunity for children aged 9 to 11-years-old, and is run by STEM trained volunteers.

“These awards from the CIA are fantastic recognition for the Bradford site,” said Dave Calder, BASF’s site manager for Bradford and Grimsby.

“Our Kids’ Lab volunteers have worked hard over the years promoting science to young learners and really deserved the reputation award.

“Looking at Bio Acrylamide, the development from research to construction involved many people and it was brilliant to be able to recognise them all through this award.”