A WORCESTERSHIRE engineering giant has been recognised as a British manufacturing champion after taking silver at this year’s EEF/Aldermore Future Manufacturing Awards.

Redditch-based GKN, which employs 6,700 staff across the UK and manufactures aerospace and automotive systems and components, was singled out for recognition at the event in London. It was in the running for the health and safety award, which goes to the manufacturer that has achieved the most impressive or innovative improvements in the health and safety culture of their workplace. GKN was selected by a panel of judges drawn from business leaders, industry experts and academics and was up against tough competition from a range of dynamic businesses, small and large, from across the UK.

Martin Smith, director of health, safety and environment at GKN, said: "Our sector is naturally highly innovative, but we firmly believe that innovation should extend beyond product and process and into areas such as health and safety. Creating our own videos is a very simple, but highly effective way of engaging and educating staff, ensuring that they remain safe and our company compliant, but in a way that is highly relevant to the way our staff work and the jobs they actually do. We’re delighted that our efforts have been recognised with this national award. It's a great accomplishment and a huge compliment to our team.”

Richard Storey, executive director at Howden, added: "GKN is a great example of a company that has moved health and safety out of ‘compliance’ and into the ‘innovation and opportunity’ box. Its commitment is paying off with high engagement levels and sharing of best practice – staff aren’t just being kept safe, they are taking an active role and this will undoubtedly lead to greater employee wellbeing and operational efficiency. This award is justly deserved and we wish GKN continued success with their health and safety campaign in the future.”

The judges said that GKN had developed an efficient way of sharing knowledge and health and safety best practice. They were particularly impressed by the company creating its own bespoke health and safety videos to update and inform its staff, a powerful initiative which the judges believed other manufacturers could potentially learn and benefit from.