Draeger Safety UK has received the prestigious Logistics and Resource Efficiency Award from the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE). Presented to Draeger as part of the national Manufacturing Excellence (MX) Awards on 23 November 2011, this is the second year in a row that Draeger Safety has won a top spot, taking the coveted Process Innovation Award in 2010.
As a cutting edge manufacturer of life-saving safety equipment such as respiratory protection and flame and gas detection devices, Draeger uses the very latest technology and monitoring systems to ensure it stays ahead in a highly competitive market. For instance, as innovators in both design and process control, the company has recently installed operational dashboard displays within the manufacturing area. Forming part of a wide-scale refurbishment programme, the use of these displays enables all production staff to view key statistics on company performance.
The close attention that Draeger pays to continuous improvement, as well as resolving current and potential future issues within the supply chain impressed the Manufacturing Excellence judges. The company’s commitment to its staff was another winning factor, with a comprehensive communications programme and a robust support system for staff issues and individual development. By way of example, Draeger’s staff talent programme encourages employees to develop and fulfil their potential whilst still working as part of a team.
Malcolm Irving, Head of Operations at Draeger’s Blyth manufacturing site was delighted to receive the Award. He comments, “All of the hard work that our employees put in day-in, day-out is testament to why we have received this Award. To achieve this level of excellence in such a difficult economic climate is a great tribute to their efforts. As a business we are absolutely thrilled to have won the Logistics and Resource Efficiency category, particularly against such stiff competition. In addition, to be short listed in four other key categories gives us immense pride.”
He concludes, “The whole MX process has, again provided us with a great opportunity to benchmark ourselves with other best practice organisations that are not necessarily operating within our industry sectors. We feel that our attention to detail, robust processes and a focused, quality-led approach to manufacturing excellence have all contributed to this success and we are confident that they will continue to do so in the future.”
The award ceremony was compered by Alastair Campbell and attended by Mark Prisk MP, Margaret Beckett MP as well as a host of other top business names.
Stephen Tetlow, MBE, Chief Executive of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers also attended and explains, “Draeger Safety’s win is hugely encouraging for manufacturing in Northumberland and UK manufacturing more generally. The Manufacturing Excellence programme is not just about celebrating manufacturing success around the country, but about providing practical advice for businesses to support them on their journey during these difficult economic times.”
Draeger Safety UK provides a wide variety of safety equipment across a broad range of industry sectors including fire and rescue services, oil and gas, chemicals and law enforcement. By offering a total solution approach, it has recently secured several major fire and rescue contracts for compressed air breathing equipment and advanced telemetry systems. Combining ease of use with state-of-the-art technology, these systems enable the officer-in-charge to wirelessly monitor the breathing rates and movements of his or her team and, as a result, ensure fast, safe action in the event of an emergency.
About the Awards
The Institution of Mechanical Engineers’ Manufacturing Excellence programme is the most successful and long established manufacturing support programme in the UK, and the only one that provides a detailed benchmarking and assessment process to help improve manufacturing businesses.
As part of the Manufacturing Excellence programme, companies can obtain a free consultancy package worth £20,000. Companies that enter are asked to conduct an in-depth self assessment, and those who complete one or more of the eight parts receive a free, bespoke and confidential benchmark report. The best companies in each module receive a free visit from a team of expert assessors who verify the audit responses and offer practical advice and suggestions for the business. The winning companies in each category then receive an award at the Manufacturing Excellence Awards.
Manufacturing Excellence is supported by PwC, Autodesk, PP Business Improvement, The ERA Foundation, Lombard, WMG, Arup, and Barclays Corporate.
For further information contact Customer Service, Draeger Safety UK Limited, Ullswater Close, Blyth Riverside Business Park, Blyth, Northumberland, NE24 4RG. Tel: 01670 561200, fax: 01670 356266, www.draeger.com.
