News
Raising a glass to North East manufacturing
14th April 2025
We were delighted to sponsor the Manufacturer of the Year Award (Under £25 million) category of the Insider Made in the North East Awards 2025, which took place at the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead Hotel last month.
Organised by Insider Media, this annual awards event showcases the quality products and services that manufacturing and engineering companies supply – and the skilled people that work for them.
Ashington-headquartered LED lighting specialist Raytec took home the Manufacturer of the Year (Under £25 million) Award, while Hartlepool-based metal mesh manufacturer The Expanded Metal Company was also highly commended in the category.
Raytec was recognised for its strong growth through cutting-edge product development, workforce expansion, and sustainability initiatives. In addition, the judges noted Raytec’s record-breaking recruitment year, which saw 24 new starters joining the company.
The other winners on the night, which was hosted by BBC presenter Matt Bailey, were:
- Manufacturer of the Year (Over £25 million) – Filtronic
- Export Award – Filtronic
- Sustainable/Ethical Manufacturer Award – Petards Rail
- Automotive, Aerospace & Rail Award – Petards Rail
- Manufacturing Future Talent Award – Dyer Engineering
- Digital Engineering/Technology Award – Dyer Engineering
- Apprentice of the Year – Ellen Robson, Renovo Solutions
- Manufacturing Innovation Award – Wootzano
Samantha Vassallo, Managing Director of Horizon Works, said: “This is the third time we have sponsored the Insider Made In The North East Awards 2025 and every year, we are blown away by the pioneering spirit and innovative mindset of the region’s manufacturing community.
“It was a pleasure to be part of the event again… and to see the impact these awards make on the participating companies, who should be extremely proud of their achievements.
“A huge well done from us to Raytec for winning the Manufacturer of the Year Award (Under £25 million) award and congratulations to all of the other winners and runners-up on the night.”