Vernacare flying the flag for manufacturers
A NORTH West manufacturer is flying the flag for the region in the Best Factory Awards 2012.
Bolton-based Vernacare, part of the £30m turnover Verna Group, has been nominated by Cranfield School of Management for the awards which celebrate manufacturing excellence.
Vernacare, which makes single-use disposable medical pulp products such as bedpans and washing bowls from 100% recycled newspaper, will find out if it has won at an awards ceremony later this month.
It is in the running for the overall title after being nominated in a number of categories – Best Process Plant, Best SME, Supply Chain Award and Judges’ Special Award – at the national manufacturing awards.
Global operations director Derek McIntyre said: “To be shortlisted for this award is a fantastic achievement, and is testament to the hard work and dedication shown by the entire operations team.
”By recognising the achievements of individuals within the team, we have been able to create a culture of continuous improvement and investment in people.”
The company is the biggest medical pulp moulder in the world, producing around 150 million units per year,
The products are used in more than 50 countries worldwide. The system itself was pioneered by Vernacare over 50 years ago, with a view to helping reduce the risk of cross-infection infection and save nursing time, whilst reducing the environmental and cost impact of re-usable systems.
Winners of the awards will be announced at a ceremony at the Sheraton Park Lane Hotel, London on 28 September.
Dr Marek Szwejczewski, director of the Best Factory Awards, said: “All of the finalists are beacons of excellence, driven by the desire to improve and excel and are growing despite the flat British economy.
“Our awards aim to recognise their achievements and highlight systems and processes that others can learn from. The best factories in Britain are focused on delivering value to their customers, ensuring their employees are engaged and well trained, while also continually investing in their production facilities.”
