Wigan based company shines at Regional Manufacturing Awards

A Wigan based company has been recognised at a major regional manufacturing awards ceremony organised by Make UK, the manufacturers’ organisation.

Bitrez Ltd, headquartered in Standish was given the Make UK North West Innovation Award, sponsored by HVM Catapult, at a ceremony held virtually. The company which employs 102 people across 2 sites,  makes high performance synthetic resins, catalysts and polymers for high performance markets including  aerospace, defence, automotive, rail, marine, packaging and more received the award in recognition of  its development of the world’s first and only REACH compliant epoxy curing agent called Curamine.

It was created when traditional Ketamines were banned by the EU because of their toxic properties. The development of Curamine has led to Bitrez supplying the whole of Europe. The company also were awarded runner up in the SME of the year category in recognition of its work in supporting local charities and academic institutes.

Paul Jones, Bitrez Ltd Managing Director and formulator of the product said:

“I’m delighted that Bitrez has won the Make UK Innovation Award.  Using creative chemistry to develop innovative products that resolve regulatory and technical problems is our raison d’être. This award pays tribute to everyone at Bitrez who worked so hard to bring the product to market, as well as the loyalty of customers and suppliers.”

June Smith, Region Director for Make UK in the North of England, said:

“These awards are a testament to the dynamic companies and individuals working within engineering and manufacturing. The sector has been at the heart of delivering during the crisis and as we re-build our economy there will be a bright future for companies and individuals that make the most of their talent.”

Dick Elsy CBE, Chief Executive Officer of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, the award sponsor, said:

“Companies that grasp the innovation opportunity are among the most competitive and most productive in global markets. That’s why innovation is the lifeblood of the UK economy, with the HVM Catapult driving growth and success in the manufacturing sector. To recognise the achievements of extraordinary innovators, we are proud to sponsor the Make UK Innovation Award for 2020.”

Bitrez will now go forward to the national finals to compete against other regional winners across the UK.

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