Three West Midlands manufacturing businesses were recognised among the UK’s best after enjoying a successful evening at the manufacturing industry’s most prestigious awards.
LISI Aerospace, based in Rugby, was crowned Manufacturer of the Year at The Manufacturer MX (TMMX) Awards 2026, while Bidford-on-Avon’s Tornado Wire was named Runner-up Manufacturer of the Year. Coventry-based Evtec Automotive also celebrated success, with its Jane Billson receiving the ED&I Champion award.
The winners were announced at a black-tie ceremony and gala dinner at Liverpool’s Titanic Hotel earlier this week, the culmination of this year’s edition of the award-winning The Manufacturer Live.
LISI Aerospace enjoyed a particularly successful evening, securing three awards in total. Alongside the coveted Manufacturer of the Year title, the company won the Smart Factory and Commercial Team of the Year Awards too.
The judges praised the firm’s pioneering development of a bespoke Smart Factory solution, which has transformed its manufacturing capabilities through the innovative application of technology, employee expertise and a clear focus on operational efficiency.
They also highlighted the strength of teamwork and people-centric leadership behind the transformation, alongside its potential to be scaled across the wider global group.
Tornado Wire also enjoyed a successful evening, taking home three awards in addition to being named Runner-up Manufacturer of the Year. The company won the Leadership & Strategy and People & Skills categories, while CEO Rebecca Galley was recognised with the Inspiring Leader award.
The judges highlighted the business’ clear strategic direction, strong leadership and disciplined approach to growth, alongside its commitment to developing its people and using existing partnerships to drive business growth and product innovation.
Meanwhile, Jane Billson of Coventry-based Evtec Automotive was named ED&I Champion, recognising her work in creating opportunities for people with disabilities to enter and progress within the manufacturing workforce.
Recognising manufacturing excellence
It has been another testing year for UK manufacturing. High industrial energy costs, global instability and shifting trade rules have continued to challenge businesses. Yet, across the industry, manufacturers have demonstrated remarkable resilience, continuing to innovate, invest in new technologies, develop their people and pursue operational excellence.
Against this backdrop, TMMX Awards provide an opportunity to recognise these achievements and shine a spotlight on the businesses and individuals setting the standard for manufacturing excellence.
Grace Gilling, Managing Director of Hennik Group (part of Nineteen Group), publisher of The Manufacturer and organiser of the TMMX Awards, reflected on the importance of recognising the sector’s achievements:
“The ability to innovate, problem-solve, and lead through uncertainty remains one of the industry’s greatest strengths, and we want to recognise those achievements.
“Being part of the TMMX Awards is an honour in itself. Firms have taken the time to share their story, showcase their achievements, and contribute to raising the bar for this industry as a whole.
Celebrating the UK’s manufacturing industry
From ambitious SMEs to established global manufacturers, this year’s finalists demonstrate the breadth of talent, innovation and commitment that exists across UK industry.
Each finalist has undergone a rigorous judging process, with the awards recognising not only outstanding results but also the leadership, people, strategies and innovations that make them possible.
Delivered by The Manufacturer in partnership with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), and supported this year by headline sponsor Autodesk, the TMMX Awards have a combined heritage of more than 50 years and are widely regarded as the gold standard in manufacturing awards, the industry’s equivalent of the Oscars for Hollywood.
