MANUFACTURING AWARDS
​​​​​​​FOR CMR

A Wallsend manufacturer has taken gold and silver at this year’s prestigious EEF/Aldermore Future Manufacturing Awards.

CMR UK, which manufactures electronic instrumentation for industrial engines, gensets and marine systems and employs over 80 staff, was named the regional winner of the Developing People Award. Judges gave it gold in recognition of its efforts to build skills, harness talent and develop its employees.

However, its winning streak didn’t end there. Judges also awarded it a silver medal in the Health and Safety category, sponsored by Howden. This award was given in recognition of its impressive and innovative improvements in the health and safety culture of its workplace.

The company was selected by a panel of judges drawn from business leaders, industry experts and academics and was up against stiff competition from a range of impressive businesses, small and large, from across the region.  

CMR UK will now go on to compete for a national title at an awards gala dinner in London in January next year.

Neil Wilkinson, Managing Director at CMR UK, says: “This achievement is down to our team’s hard work and dedication. We are delighted to have won and been recognised in this way. Not only does it demonstrate the valuable contribution made by local manufacturers like ourselves, but it also puts us on the map as a modern and innovative company. This is great news for us to share with all our staff, customers and suppliers. After achieving the Investors in People Gold award last year to then be recognised for our efforts when competing against top companies from across the region we are absolutely thrilled. The key for us though is that we never rest on our laurels and continue to work on our Learning and Development Strategy to upskill the workforce for maximum benefit to the team and the company.

“It’s fantastic to get this far and now we’re all looking forward to the national finals in January to see how we measure up against other leading manufacturers from across the UK.”

Carl D’Ammassa, Group Managing Director - Business Finance at Aldermore, says: “Businesses are aware that fostering and developing employees’ skills is essential to their future success and competitiveness - and manufacturers are leading the way. This award is justly deserved and CMR UK should be applauded for their efforts. We wish them the best of luck for the national finals.”

In other UK related news, The Living Wage Foundation was also pleased to accredit CMR UK Ltd as a Living Wage employer. The Living Wage commitment will see the more than 80 staff working at CMR UK, regardless of whether they are permanent employees or third-party contractors and supplier. Neil Wilkinson commented,  "We are delighted that CMR has been accredited as a living wage employer. Staff retention and development is very important to us and we take immense pride in being able to offer highly skilled and rewarding jobs here in the North East. The expertise we have grown in our team here at CMR’s has played a critical part in our success"