Lionweld Kennedy secures double win at Make UK Manufacturing Awards

An industrial flooring and handrail maker has won two high-profile accolades.

Lionweld Kennedy was named manufacturer of the region and picked up the energy and sustainability honour for the North East, Yorkshire and Humber at the Make UK Manufacturing Awards.

It will now represent the region at a national final, in St Paul’s Cathedral, at the end of January.

Steve Brooke, commercial director at the Middlesbrough-based business, said: “This is a real accolade and acknowledges the sheer hard work, commitment and investment we have made in our people, premises and processes over the last year.”

In a bid to reach sustainability targets, the business has taken numerous measures, which include installing 650 solar panels, switching to a fully electric forklift fleet and moving to a hydrogenated vegetable oil heated factory.

Bosses say the measures have already reduced total annual carbon impact from 667 tonnes of CO2 in 2021 to 150 tonnes in 2022, with its impact forecast to be less than under 100 tonnes in 2023.

Steve added: “Lionweld Kennedy has an ambitious business strategy.

“We are absolutely committed to continuing to grow our profitability, pursue organic growth, continue the investment in our staff, plant and resources, and achieve all of this under the umbrella of reaching a target of net-zero by 2040.”

Formed in 1910, Lionweld Kennedy designs, manufactures and installs steel and glass reinforced plastic flooring, handrails, stair treads and access solutions to a range of industries including data centres, energy, construction, rail, utilities and mining. The business is headquartered in Middlesbrough, where it was originally formed, and is part of Hill and Smith plc.