Peterborough-based Westcombe Engineering, which specialises in providing work for people with disabilities, has won the Manufacturer of the Year award (in the under £25 million category) at the Made In Central and East England manufacturing awards.
The ceremony took place in Milton Keynes last month.
Westcombe won the award after experiencing a 40% growth surge over the past two years — achieved through a marketing strategy that helped it to grow both in the UK and internationally.
It was also commended for its continued investment in modern plant, plus employee training and development, alongside its focus on quality, cost and delivery.
This allowed the company to diversity beyond its traditional market of diesel and engine components to win new contracts in other sectors, while continuing to supply its long-standing customer Perkins Engines.
Andrew Lesiw, managing director of Westcombe Engineering (
www.westcombeengineering.com), said: “This was an important award for the company and all our staff. We employ a highly skilled, talented and committed workforce with a range of disabilities.
"We have set goals to continue to grow the business over the next two to three years, and we are also pursuing the possibility of new premises.”
Westcombe was set up in 1971 (through the Health and Welfare Committee of Peterborough City Council) to create
employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities and give them a foundation from which to seek mainstream employment.
It was brought back under the control of the City Council in 2009.