Spotlight shines on hidden heroes at the first ever Manufacturing Excellence Awards

Wiping away images of manufacturing as overalled men with oily rags, 200 captains of industry came together at the first Manufacturing Excellence Awards to showcase the best businesses, innovations and individuals in the sector.

Broadcaster, comedian and author Colm O’Regan hosted a black-tie gala awards night at the Radisson Blu Golden Hall on March 28th, where 16 trophies were handed out to the brightest and best.

The awards, in their first year, covered different sizes of business in a range of sectors and working with different materials. There were also gongs for key issues such as sustainability, energy efficiency, health and safety and HR. Innovation and supply chains were prominent and there was a special award for 2024′s woman in manufacturing.

Manufacturing is an unsung sector but is vital to Ireland’s economy. The Irish Business and Employers’ Confederation (Ibec) says the sector employs 275,000 people or 11 per cent of the Irish workforce, but it pays out €13.4 billion in wages and employment taxes. It also contributes more than 44 per cent of the country’s corporation tax with €10 billion. The country can’t do without manufacturing, and the new awards have stepped in to champion those hidden heroes.

One of the judges was Jill Ellis, senior lecturer in food manufacturing at the University of Lincoln National Centre for Food Manufacturing. She said it had been an honour to scrutinise the first year of the awards.

“Overall, there were some very high-quality entries that contained outstanding use of images and supporting data to showcase excellence and innovation. It was good to see entrants placing value on areas such as staff health and wellbeing and the impact on the wider community,” Ellis said.

“A range of sustainability projects were entered, which clearly demonstrated commitment to positive change, not only evidenced through the use of data, but through reflection of the practical impacts achieved.”

Ellis added: “It was fantastic to see such high-calibre entries for the Women in Manufacturing Award. The entrants all demonstrated their impact and innovation within their place of work.”

The first ever manufacturing excellence woman of the year was Liz Dooley, senior director, of engineering and technology at Janssen Pharmaceutical. She is a member of iChemE, Women in Technology and Science and the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineers (ISPE). She is chair of the ISPE Ireland affiliate.

The award citation said: “Liz Dooley is the very worthy winner of the women in manufacturing award. She is an inspirational leader and an excellent role model who supports all future manufacturing talent, as well as women in Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Her significant contributions within Janssen and to broader initiatives such as ISPE and academic scholarships, highlight her impactful leadership and commitment to fostering talent and inclusivity in the manufacturing sector.”

All the award winners were inspirational. Oliver Conroy Pallets carved itself a niche, winning the manufacturer of the year – wood products award. Kevin Marley, health and safety officer, said: “Through our Seven Steps to Sustainability, Oliver Conroy Pallets, in partnership with our sister company Flamers, turn waste pallets into eco-friendly solid fuel, promoting a circular economy, reducing demand for fossil fuels and taking care of our planet.”

But awards nights are not just for the winners. Wood veneer and plastic edgebanding specialist Merenda was pipped at the post by Oliver Conroy Pallets but was also shortlisted in the small business category.

Corinna Maguire, general manager, said: “It was validation of our efforts in business excellence to be shortlisted in two categories, amongst many high-calibre companies. It was a fantastic night, and we now look forward to continued growth and expansion.”

The Manufacturing Excellence Awards 2024 were produced by business communication experts Business River. Expect the awards to be back next year, bigger and stronger, shining the spotlight on a sector that Ibec says exports more than €200 billion a year.

Full list of judges

Denis Dowling, full professor School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University College Dublin
Jill Ellis, senior lecturer in food manufacturing – University of Lincoln, National Centre for Food Manufacturing
Enda Giles, head of manufacturing, Dawn Farms
Rocco Lupoi, associate professor, School of Engineering – TCD
Aidan McKee, chief people officer, Water Wipes
Bernard Naughton, assistant professor, Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin
Joe O’Callaghan, programme director, UCC