A BRADFORD company which has helped with the Covid-19 crisis by making over 300,000 parts for ventilators has won a prestigious manufacturing award.

Produmax Ltd, which is based at Baildon Business Park, struck gold when it received a top award at a national manufacturing awards ceremony organised by Make UK, an organisation which represents 20,000 companies of all sizes,

Produmax was named as the SME manufacturer of the year at the Make National Manufacturing Awards UK ceremony which was held virtually last week.

The company had already won the Make UK Yorks & Humber and North East SME Manufacturer of the Year and has now beaten off other regional winners from across the UK to one of the most coveted awards in the UK’s industrial sector.

The company, which makes high precision components for the aerospace sector, machining highly specialised materials such as steel, aluminium and titanium was recognised for its growth over the last five years and a consistent programme of engaging its workforce through cultural change, investing in technology and improving leadership skills.

As a result of its growth the company now exports 70 per cent of what it makes globally.

The company also has a comprehensive outreach programme into local schools and colleges and a fifth of its workforce is now made up of apprentices who appear at events to promote manufacturing as a career for young people.

Produmax has also contributed to the pandemic crisis by making over 300,000 parts for ventilators.

Mandy Ridyard, Financial Director at Produmax said: “We are delighted with this award as it recognises the passion and resilience of the whole Produmax family.

"Our incredible growth pre Covid and resilience since the pandemic is due to our dynamic team of people.”

June Smith, Region Director for Make UK in the North of England, said: “These awards are a testament to the dynamic companies and individuals working within engineering and manufacturing across the Yorkshire Region.

"The sector has been at the heart of delivering during the crisis and as we re-build our economy there will be a bright future for companies and individuals that make the most of their talent.”

In recent years, precision engineering experts Produmax relocated its base of to the new £3.1million factory facility in Baildon.

The manufacture, backed by the Regional Growth Fund, moved production to the manufacturing facility at Baildon Business Park.

Produmax, which makes parts for customers in aerospace, telecoms and medical devices, relocated its staff from its original headquarters at Otley and a temporary unit in Yeadon.

The company secured a £600,000 grant from the Regional Growth Fund to support the build and fit-out of the factory.

The construction project started in March 2014 and the move was complete by early 2016.