Gripple is Crowned Manufacturer of the Year in Make UK Manufacturing Awards

8th February 2021

Gripple, manufacturer of suspension systems for construction, has come top of the class in the national 2020 Make UK Manufacturing Awards, crowned as Manufacturer of the Year, winning two other categories, and one apprentice receiving a regional award.

In the top award employee owned Gripple was judged to have blazed a trail within the manufacturing sector, for leading by example and developing progressive best practice for others in the industry. And for showing exceptional initiative, boldness and dynamism, as well as exemplary management practices. 

Stephen Phipson, CEO of Make UK, said: “These awards represent the cream of the crop as far as manufacturing companies in the UK are concerned. Gripple has been an exemplar company for many years and these awards are a testament to the people, innovation, drive and dynamic performance to which all manufacturers should aspire. We are proud to have given them our highest award and look forward to seeing Gripple continue to prosper.”

In winning the Developing Future Talent category judges decided that Gripple had done the most to build skills, develop talent and promote diversity among their employees, by promoting engineering and manufacturing careers through activities within the community.

As winner in the Business Growth and Strategy category it was recognised that Gripple had demonstrated the most dynamic business growth through business expansion, product diversification and the implementation of a new international trade strategy.

It was 21-year-old Gripple apprentice Estelle Smith who won the Business Apprentice of the Year award for the North East, Yorkshire and Humber region.

Ed Stubbs, Gripple managing director, said: “This recognition is absolute testimony to how our employee owners have gone above and beyond to support their business in such a challenging year. Thank you to them all.”