MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR

This category honours those firms who build on Bradford's reputation as an industrial powerhouse and establish its new reputation as a Producer City

CHRISTEYNS

Christeyns is a manufacturer of chemicals for the commercial laundry, construction and "On premise" laundry markets. Additionally the supply of engineering equipment which contributes to operational efficiencies with in our commercial laundry customers sites. As part of their business model they invest in capital equipment in customers' sites in order that they can experience their own benefits of water and energy saving. Christeyns has acquired four companies in the last three years. They say: "We will be investing in new improved production facilities in 2015 and also a significant improvement in logistics capability, something our customers will understand and appreciate."

METALCRAFT

Based in Bowling Park Close, Bradford, Metalcraft is a general sheet metal fabricators specialising in stainless steel. They offer a bespoke service and have an in house design team. Their entry reads: "The business was made into a Limited Co. in September 2008. In January 2009 we moved into a purpose built unit. Approximately three years ago we purchased the adjoining unit to enable us to separate the stainless from the mild steel to avoid cross contamination. Last year with the help of Bradford and Leeds Councils we built an extension to the property to house two of the latest laser machines."

SPOONER INDUSTRIES

Based in Ilkley, Spooner Industries has 160 employees and 40 contractors. Spooner Industries was established in 1932 by Yorkshire inventor, William Wycliffe Spooner initially providing drying machines to the textile industry. Spooner has undergone many changes, but has survived economic hardship, particularly through the downturn in UK manufacturing, emerging a leaner, more progressive organisation. With unrivalled worldwide experience Spooner develops technologies for processes such as drying, baking, cooling, air pollution abatement and non-contact handling of a diverse range of products which includes equipment such as industrial ovens, dryers, provers, coolers, oxidisers and air turns. Spooner's team of specialist engineers carry out everything from concept design and manufacture to full installation, commissioning and maintenance.