FFEI scoops accolade at Manufacturing Excellence Awards

FFEI, a UK-based developer of digital imaging technology, received the Institution of Mechanical Engineers’ Award for Best Small to Medium Enterprise at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers’ Manufacturing Excellence Awards 2012.

The award recognizes the innovative business ideas and best practice employed within FFEI, along with the company’s continued growth since an oil disaster affected its HQ in Hemel Hempstead, UK, in 2006.

‘FFEI’s entire plant was destroyed as a result of the Buncefield oil depot disaster, but within a matter of days the company was able to fulfill existing and new orders,’ commented Philippa Oldham, head of manufacturing at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and one of the Manufacturing Excellence judges.

‘Since this emergence from the disaster, FFEI has continued to grow and the judges were hugely impressed by novel schemes the company runs, such as the offer of extended warranties in exchange for feedback. These are in addition to the company’s excellent factory layout and the continued improvement in financial performance.’

This latest plaudit follows recent awards won by FFEI. In 2011, the company received a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the innovation category for the development of an internal drum computer-to-plate (CTP) system targeted at the requirements of commercial printing in emerging markets.

‘Over the past six years the organization has invested heavily in creating a company that innovates with diverse technologies across global markets,’ said Andy Cook, FFEI managing director.

‘Building on the success of last year’s Queens Award, this Manufacturing Excellence Award underlines the continued growth across the business, which is epitomized by the teamwork, inclusion and continuous improvement I see every day. To be benchmarked with the very best businesses in the UK Manufacturing sector is a credit to our people and their efforts.’

The award was presented to FFEI by Professor Isobel Pollock, president of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, at a ceremony compered by former politician Michael Portillo.

Pictured L-R: Professor Isobel Pollock presenting the award to FFEI’s Phil Ellis, John Mortimer, Julian Payne, Steve Russell with compere Michael Portillo

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