Manufacturing Champion: Roadlink International

Judges said Roadlink in Strawberry Lane had cornered the market with commendable margins and a clear focus plan for the future.

Training and employing local people with an ethos of assured quality was said to be apparent during the judges visit to the site.

Robert Hupfer and Mark Sharples from sponsors UTC Aerospace Systems presented the award to Roadlink.

Joint managing director Helen Arthur described it as a great honour to land the title of manufacturing champion.

"It was totally unexpected to win this award and we are very pleased," she said.

Her fellow joint MD Keith Sedgley added: "This award is a testament to all our staff. We have a great team at Roadlink.

"They pull together daily to deliver a great product for all out customers."

Helen said there had been a lot of investment in the business over the last 12 months which had really paid off.

"We have found that even in times of a difficult market there is new business to be had.

"I am really proud to have go the award – it is down to a great team."

Keith said they were looking forward to putting the trophy on display on the company's awards table to add to a growing number of awards.

Roadlink International, which has been going for 35 years and employs 40, is a leading supplier of parts for commercial vehicles.

It offers a complete range of manufactured and remanufactured braking solutions, including calipers and brake shoes as well as an extensive range of pads, discs and drums.

Roadlink recently celebrated the first anniversary of the launch of its new facility and has seen a significant increase in demand for its products since the investment.

The larger facility, advanced equipment and increase in staff has allowed it to remanufacture calipers at a faster rate without compromising quality.

Roadlink’s distribution and remanufacturing processes are audited and approved to ISO9001 international standards. This, alongside its ISO14001 and Investor in People status, demonstrates its first-class range and service, from production, right through to sales.

Its extensive commitment to quality and customer service resulted in it being awarded runner up at a prestigious industry event, the IAAF Annual Awards Ceremony 2016, in the category of ‘commercial vehicle supplier of the year.

The two other finalists in the manufacturing champion category were A&M EDM, of Smethwick, and Petford Tools, Dudley.

All three finalists were praised by the judges as being "passionate and entrepreneurial".