Express & Star Business Awards 2025: Meet the finalists - Manufacturing Champion

The award, sponsored by Collins Aerospace, celebrates top manufacturing firms in the region. Judges will be looking to see growth, commercial performance and efficiency, talent and training development, sustainability and environmental impacts and investments in research and development and returns on investment.

Steelway Fensecure Ltd

Founded in 1928, Steelway has been at the heart of British manufacturing for nearly 100 years, evolving with the times while maintaining a steadfast commitment to quality and innovation. 

In recent years, through significant growth, the Black Country business has undergone a significant transformation, reinforcing its position as a leader in the industry.

Following its acquisition by Northern Industries in 2020, Steelway entered a period of rapid expansion, requiring a strategic and forward-thinking approach to modernisation – leading to an investment in talent, manufacturing equipment and processes.

Steelway’s success has been driven by increasing market share in existing sectors while expanding into new areas through the creation of a dedicated security division. As a result, the business now operates across four distinct trading divisions, manufacturing from two sites in Wolverhampton and West Bromwich, employing more than 200 skilled individuals.

Managing director Alan Curtis, who was appointed in 2023, has been key to the firm's transformation. With alignment and support from Paul Sweeting, chief operating officer of Northern Industries, Alan has recognised the need for a more streamlined and accountable manufacturing process.

Investing in operational systems and talent acquisition has improved efficiencies, allowing Steelway to negotiate better supplier contracts and increase gross margins from 35 per cent in 2023 to 42.5 per cent in 2024.

To stay ahead of the curve Steelway has been prioritising workforce development, launching the Steelway Technical Excellence Programme (STEP) for continuous upskilling across various levels. 

Innovation is key, with the introduction of an automated tube bender in 2024 and a shift to a cut-and-press method, enhancing efficiency and product quality. 

Steelway holds several patents and LPCB certifications for its design and manufacturing solutions, and sustainability is also a core focus. The company is committed to Green Steel initiatives, aiming for a 60 per cent reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 and near-zero emissions by 2050.

A&M EDM Pure Precision

A&M EDM Pure Precision based in Smethwick offers rapid response engineering solutions to manufacture bespoke high value, low volume components and tooling for many sectors including aerospace, food production tooling and Formula 1 

The company, which invests in people, systems, sustainability, and machinery to improve productivity and competitiveness, achieved a record £8.75m in sales by September 2024. 

It holds various certifications and invests in capital equipment, including high-speed mills and machining centres.

The firm's F1 sales have seen significant growth, with supplies to four teams. It has a partnership with Collins Aerospace for EDM services and component manufacturing. In food production, the company works with KP Snacks and its parent company Intersnack Deutschland and this has led to increased production of Pom Bear shapes.

It also produces tooling for fastener production for global manufacturers. 

Operationally, the firm uses the QuickWorks MRP system for job tracking and cost analysis allowing all sections and managers to see individual jobs in the manufacturing process and update any customer enquiry. This has improved job costing and profit and loss analysis across the business.

The company also invests in employee training and development, including an apprentice program. The company also focuses on employee wellbeing and sustainability and has installed solar panels and recycles waste materials. 

A&M Pure Precision actively champions manufacturing by hosting events and participating in government reviews. In September 2024 the firm was selected by Make UK to host the West Midlands Mayor for National Manufacturing Day, showcasing manufacturing careers to schools, and in January 2025 Sir Charlie Mayfield, leader of the Keep Britain Working Government review, visited A&M to review how the firm promotes a healthy, inclusive workplace.

Jenks & Cattell Engineering Ltd

Jenks & Cattell Engineering has shown consistent growth and strong commercial performance over its 139 years in operation, with turnover rising from £9 million to nearly £14 million in recent financial years. 

In 2022-2023, the Wednesfield-based manufacturing firm experienced an 80 per cent increase in profits, creating the financial stability to invest in personnel, plant and future growth.

The company is part of the Newship Group, a larger family-owned business with substantial turnover and profits. 

Operating across various sectors like automotive, defence, medical, and construction, Jenks & Cattell Engineering has expanded its capabilities with investments in machinery, including a second laser cutting machine, a CNC machining centre and a rotating manipulator welding table. The investments have boosted revenue, operational effectiveness and product quality. 

The firm has also grown its workforce, currently at 117 employees, with plans to recruit up to 10 apprentices this year and the company puts a focus on employee development with ongoing training and professional programs, including Lean Manufacturing initiatives to help position the business for longevity.

Sustainability is also a key priority, with the company implementing energy-efficient practices, waste reduction efforts and employee engagement programs. It has implemented various initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, including the adoption of electric forklift trucks, LED lighting throughout the 20,000sqm plant and a £150k investment in a new compressor room to generate heat independently.

The company also works with suppliers to ensure sustainable sourcing and participates in charitable sustainability initiatives and this led to a 25 per cent increase in recycling initiatives during 2023-2024.