Three companies from County Durham have struck gold at a major regional Manufacturing Awards ceremony

The awards, organised by Make UK, the organisation which represents manufacturing industry across the UK, were held to recognise the achievements of companies from across the North East and Yorkshire & Humber. The winners will now go on to the National Finals which will be held in London in January 2026.

Dyer Engineering Ltd, based in Durham, won the Developing Talent Award in recognition of its extensive investment in its Apprentice Programme and a structure learning process to equip them with a broad range of skills, including digital tools. Established in 1977, Dyer is a nationally award winning engineering partner, supplying complex fabricated and machined components to Rail, Defence and Energy. (Richard Bradley, Chair, Dyer Engineering is pictured above with Dawn Huntrod, Region Director for Make UK in the North.)

Meanwhile, Filtronic, based in Sedgefield, won the Business Growth & Strategy Award, recognising a truly transformational year for the company. A series of key contract wins and export milestones have driven exceptional growth, from securing high-profile space-sector programmes to expanding manufacturing capacity and accelerating product innovation. These successes mark a pivotal moment in Filtronic’s evolution, as the company scales its operations and cements its position as a global leader in mmWave and RF solutions for space, defence, telecoms, and beyond.

Husqvarna UK, based in Bishop Auckland, was presented with the Innovation Award. The award was given in recognition of its extensive and relentless efforts to use automation to radically re-shape the way it manufacturers its products to the extent it is using Bluetooth communications as part of its processes. Husqvarna Group are a manufacturer of outdoor power products, including chainsaws, robotic lawnmowers, and garden equipment, serving consumers and professionals worldwide since 1689.

Dawn Huntrod, Regional Director for Make UK in the North, said:

“These awards are a testament to the dynamic companies and individuals working within engineering and manufacturing. The sector remains at the heart of creating wealth in the North East and as we grow our economy there will be a bright future for companies and individuals that make the most of their talent.”

Shane Taylor, Sales Manager at ECI Software Solutions who sponsored the Innovation Award, said:

“The UK’s manufacturing sector has a long history of innovation. Today, many are embracing digital technologies, including AI, to transform how they work.

“As a software provider with decades of experience working with manufacturers, we know that embracing new technologies isn’t easy for small and mid-sized manufacturers with limited IT resources. That’s why it was important for us to sponsor this award to recognise those who have embraced digital solutions, made changes and are now seeing the results. Their dedication champions excellence across our industry, helping to secure investment and new growth opportunities in both manufacturing and the UK economy.

“The winners of this category have demonstrated determination and creativity, and I’m looking forward to seeing how they build on this success.”