Firm celebrates double award win

One of Shropshire's top automotive suppliers has demonstrated its class-leading performance yet again after picking up two industry gongs.

Bridgnorth's Grainger & Worrall, which employs 343 people at the Stanmore Industrial Estate, now has two more honours to add to its collection after walking away with the Export winner's trophy at Friday night's Accelerate Supplier Awards.

The family-run firm was established more than half a century ago and on the night executive director Edward Grainger also picked up a best of region award for the West Mercia region. This was on top of winning an environmental award at last year's Accelerate event.

The casting specialists whose customers include Rolls Royce, Bentley and Aston Martin, beat off tough competition from across the West Midlands, with the judges particularly impressed with the firm's focus on netting new business in Europe, the US and in China and India.

The high profile judging panel, which featured the RAC's David Bizley and the DTI's Matt Faultless, also singled out Grainger & Worrall for its diversification to include the racing and aerospace markets.

Rachel Eade, programme manager for Accelerate, said: "This evening is about celebrating who we are and what we mean to the manufacturing industry in the heart of the UK.

"Last year we celebrated the past and the history and experiences that make us who we are today. Tonight we celebrate the great classics, the automotive legends that have stood the test of time illustrating the critical role played by the West Midlands' supplier chain industry.

"This ethos is crucial to the success of our industry and these characteristics are still as important today as they ever were."

Other awards - presented on the evening by ex-Tory MP and political pundit Gyles Brandreth - went to Barkley Plastics in Birmingham and Cannock's Key Precision for the Large and Small SME awards, respectively.

Accepting the awards on the night, Edward Grainger said: "I'm thrilled we have won these two awards, especially after last year's success.

"As a strong family business established way back in 1946 in Upper Gornal, we have made many changes, as everyone needs to if they are to stay competitive and continue competing and thriving. We're always learning, and we hope we have at least another 50 years ahead of us."

Managed by Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and funded by Advantage West Midlands and ERDF, Accelerate uses the Awards as a platform to celebrate the can-do mentality of the West Midlands automotive industry supply chain.

The evening reflected the spirit and tenacity of legendary greats such as the VW Camper van, Mini Cooper and Jaguar XF.

A special charity raffle and auction also helped raise thousands of pounds for the Children's Variety Club which assists disabled youngsters in the community.