Mabey Bridge has completed a unique hat-trick of awards after being crowned Manufacturer of the Year by Insider magazine at its Made in Wales awards ceremony hosted by the BBC’s Huw Edwards.
The Wales-based bridge-building and wind turbine manufacturer employs 600 people in the UK with a turnover exceeding £80m per annum.
The company is involved in a large number of exciting UK and international projects and has delivered prosperity and employment since 1849 and the days of Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Indeed the company is headquartered in historic Brunel House in Chepstow.
Today Mabey Bridge continues to operate three factories in the South West. “ Great story, great products, of which Wales should be proud ,” said one judge at the event.
Mabey Bridge won Manufacturer of the Year in recognition of its bridge building business.
An example of the company’s output is the £11.1m Arnside Viaduct, which saw the manufacture and replacement of over 500m of Victorian steel rail decking corroded by over 150 years of exposure to the saline environment of the River Kent Estuary.
Speaking at the Insider magazine awards ceremony BBC newscaster Huw Edwards praised the 220 people present from Welsh industry. He said: “We make some amazing products in Wales, from aircraft wings to solar panels and whisky.
“These products are used and enjoyed around the world. They also contribute a lot to UK exports, employ hundreds of thousands of people, and keep suppliers and local economies busy.”
Mabey Bridge Managing Director Chris Droogan said: “Since I joined this company just under a year ago I have been very impressed with the business capabilities, range of projects and employee ethos and enthusiasm for evolving the business.
“Mabey Bridge is a company which is built on a rich heritage and we are very proud of our record as a major employer in Wales, delivering a significant contribution to infrastructure in the UK and overseas.”
Earlier in the month Mabey Bridge won two awards (Company of the Year as well as Company Showing Exceptional Growth) at The Monmouthshire Business awards. These are designed to provide an opportunity to celebrate success in these challenging economic times.
Last week Mabey Bridge picked up a prestigious British Construction Industry Civil Engineering Award (open to projects with a value up to £3m) for its part in the Taunton Third Way Bridge.
Mabey Bridge provided the steelwork for the highway and pedestrian bridge designed to relieve traffic in Taunton town centre. The bridge was opened last year and has since become a popular landmark in the town.
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Press release, October 23, 2012; Image: Mabey Bridge