Hugh Facey, chairman of Gripple, the Duke of Edinburgh and Giles Bloomer, deputy Lord Lieutenant of South Yorkshire.

GRIPPLE, the Sheffield-based manufacturer of the Gripple wire joiner, has been celebrating a trio of awards and a royal visit.

The Duke of Edinburgh officially opened Hog Works, the new Sheffield home of Gripple's sister company and reusable packaging innovator Loadhog.

The Duke also presented Gripple's latest Queen's Award for Sustainable Development.

Following a redevelopment programme to restore the building to its former glory, Hog Works provides 250% more space and brings together Loadhog's administrative, production and hi-tech washing activities.

It houses a new 1,700 tonne injection moulding machine and incorporates the group's ideas and innovations centre, which includes the innovative incubator Incub.

Gripple was also presented with The Phillip Baxendale Award by the Employee Ownership Association for promoting an employee ownership culture, and The Best People and Skills prize in the Manufacturer of the Year Awards, recognising the company's commitment to its staff and to their development.

Chairman Hugh Facey said: "The Duke of Edinburgh's visit was a tremendous honour for both companies. I think it acknowledges all that we have achieved in Sheffield, and the acquisition of even more awards truly reflects the tremendous effort and commitment of our employees.”

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