Fracino and Aston Manor Cider take the Manufacturing awards at the Business Masters

BIRMINGHAM-based manufacturing businesses Fracino and Aston Manor Cider won the prestigious Manufacturer awards at TheBusinessDesk.com’s West Midlands Business Masters Awards last night.

Espresso and cappuccino machine maker Fracino took the Manufacturer (SME) crown while Aston Manor Cider won out in the Manufacturer (Large) category.

Fracino managing director Adrian Maxwell said: “The ‘Made in Britain’ label is very important for us – and our customers. There was a time when he had to hide this away, but not anymore – everyone wants to see the Union Jack on their machines and it feels good to promote Midlands manufacturing around the world.”

He also thanked his father Frank, who set up the business more than 50 years ago and who guided the business on the road to success by committing to make the best espresso machines available anywhere.

“We owe him everything. The rest of the market looks up to him,” added Mr Maxwell.

The Exporter (SME) award was won by Coventry-based vaccum impregnation and industrial sealants business Ultraseal International for the second year in a  row while the Exporter (Large) crown went to Stoke-on-Trent pottery manufacturer Portmeirion.

Newcomer of the Year was won by on-demand rubbish removal company Clearabee while software solutions for skills shortages firm Mercato Solutions was the Innovator of the Year.

The Pride category, which rewards efforts in the CSR/charity fields, was won by Birmingham signage company Hollywood Monster while Birmingham precision components manufacturing business Brandauer won the Apprentice Scheme of the Year award.

Paul Bassi’s Birmingham-based property investment company Real Estate Investors won the Listed Business of the Year award while fellow Birmingham company Glide Utilities, which provides services and utilities to make bills simple for shared households, won the Fast Growth Business category.

TheBusinessDesk.com editor Andy Coyne told the large audience at last night’s black tie awards ceremony at Edgbaston Stadium that the judging panel was heavy with manufacturers.

“This is only right and proper because it is from this sector where the bulk of our entries for these awards come,” he said.

“The West Midlands is famous for making things, things of quality, which are then sold around the world.

“For a while people thought you could do this better and more cheaply from elsewhere. That mind-set seems to be less popular nowadays as buyers appreciate the skills and innovation in this region and the reliability of firms based here.

“These awards make no apology for ‘bigging up’ our manufacturers and exporters. Without them there would be no regional economy.

“The winners and the short-listed firms in these awards are the best of breed and I heartily congratulate them on their success.”

The sponsors of the Masters awards were Birmingham Airport, Higgs & Sons, Hotel La Tour and MHA Bloomer Heaven.

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