Nifco has set the awards bar high

Nov 11 2009 by Peter McCusker, The Journal

TEES VALLEY'S Nifco UK proved to be the region’s manufacturing star at the 2008 nebusiness awards.

The plastics firm took the top North East title after first scoring success at the Tees Valley regional heat – which also saw it take the Tees Valley Employer of the Year crown.

The firm has the capacity to produce a diverse range of products in three main areas: industrial plastic fasteners for both automotive and electronic applications; functional interior trim products for the automotive industry and power train and under-bonnet products.

And while the recession has hit the company in the past 12 months, it has been a winner on the back of the Government’s scrappage scheme.

Nifco UK made 80 redundancies within three months towards the end of last year.

But with new vehicle sales on the rise, the company’s order book has been filling up and in October bosses took on 20 staff with plans to recruit a further 20.

The Government recently extended its £300m contribution to the cash for bangers scheme by another £100m to build on its “success”.

Nifco md Mike Matthews said the scrappage incentive was responsible for the company’s strong comeback.

The search has now begun to find 2009’s manufacturing stars.

The category aims to recognise and highlight companies that are demonstrating manufacturing excellence.

Judges will be considering all aspects of company performance that relates to manufacturing. There will be an emphasis on factors such as quality, investment in people and equipment, manufacturing innovation, sales performance and growth prospects.

Page 2: Platform to recognise talent