Industry-leading PVC-U systems supplier VEKA Group has been crowned the best Manufacturing Company in the region, with the team collecting a custom-made trophy in front of more than 1,000 of their business peers at the prestigious Red Rose Awards 2019.
The Red Rose Awards, organised by Lancashire Business View magazine, are held in Blackpool’s iconic Winter Gardens each year, and honour the best, most inspirational and most innovative businesses operating in Lancashire. VEKA Group is no stranger to the awards, having been named both ‘Best Large Business’ and ‘Employer of the Year’ in the last two years.
The company faced tough competition from others across the county, and was selected out of hundreds of nominations. VEKA Group was proud to have reached the competitive shortlist in three categories including ‘In-House Training’ and ‘Corporate Social Responsibility’ before going on to win in the ‘Manufacturing Business’ category.
Judges’ comments showed that VEKA Group had impressed them with its growth in a tough market, and they were also interested in the company’s innovative environmental and waste reduction solutions. Feedback from the panel highlighted VEKA Group’s commitment to continuous improvement: “Investment in the manufacturing processes, staff development and additional infrastructure continue to be made to drive growth in key markets.”
VEKA Group’s Operations Director Paul Armstrong said: “We are thrilled to have won such a coveted prize at the Red Rose Awards. There are some fantastic manufacturers in the region, so the win is extra special considering the high calibre of our fellow nominees.
“We were very proud to have been shortlisted in three such varied categories as it shows we are a rounded company that works equally as hard at training and helping our staff develop, as we do manufacturing our industry-leading products, and supporting local community projects.
“Our written entries were followed up with presentations and intensive interviews. For the Manufacturing category, we showcased our impressive 99.3% ‘on time in full’ performance figure and explained how VEKA Group continues to adapt to market demands to give our customers the highest quality products with minimal lead times.
“We work hard in every single aspect of the business, and we’re proud to be such a contributor to the local economy, with the majority of our 380 employees living within the local BB postcode area.
“As always, the team celebrated a fantastic night at the Red Rose Awards evening and I’d like to thank everyone at VEKA – this award is recognition of all the hard work everyone puts in day after day. On behalf of the company, I’d also like to send our congratulations to the other deserving winners too.”
Event founder Richard Slater, also the publisher of Lancashire Business View magazine, said: “VEKA Group can be exceptionally proud of their achievement – Lancashire is a booming county home to thousands of headline-grabbing businesses with excellent stories, and the Red Rose Awards is the biggest event celebrating their achievements. To stand out in a crowded field is a true testament of ingenuity, hard work and doing things the right way.”
BBC Radio Lancashire and North West Tonight host Graham Liver compered the evening, with entertainment from Gravity Live, DFC Lancashire and Funtime Frankies.
