Northern Ireland-based engineering company, PAC Group, are Highly Commended for Innovation at the national MAKE UK Manufacturing Awards.
Northern Ireland-based electrical and mechanical engineering company, PAC Group, took home a prestigious Highly Commended award for Innovation at the national MAKE UK Manufacturing Awards.
Following a regional win for the category in November 2021, PAC faced stiff competition in the national finals, which were held on the 27th of January 2022 in London. Up against businesses such as 3D printing software Wippit, and the ultimate category winner, the Sony UK Technology Centre, Belfast-based PAC Group were the only company from Northern Ireland to reach the finals.
The company were presented with the award by Ed Tranter from Manufacturing and Engineering Week in recognition of their highly innovative and patent-protected Carbon Composite Preformers, which are used in the aerospace, automotive, and marine sectors in the manufacture of carbon composite components and structures.
Boasting customers such as Bombardier Aerospace, McLaren Automotive, and BAE Systems, the Group designed, manufactured, and installed a 20m x 8m Hot Drape Former for Spirit AeroSystems for the Aerospace Innovation Centre in Prestwick, Scotland; a machine that is believed to be the largest preformer in the world.
PAC Group’s Business Development Director, Darren Leslie, said:
“Our Carbon Composite Preformer technology represents a significant innovation journey for PAC Group, and is reflective of the wider talents and capabilities of our team. For the past couple of years, we have worked very hard, not only on developing our unique hardware and software, but also to gain recognition for the significance of our innovation to the aerospace, automotive, and marine sectors, and to raise awareness of the key role our machines can play in more energy efficient manufacturing techniques and the light-weighting of structures to support the reduction of carbon emissions in the race to net zero.”
“We are exceptionally proud to be the only company from Northern Ireland shortlisted in the national finals of the MAKE UK awards in 2021. To receive Highly Commended in awards that feature some of the UK’s biggest and best manufacturers is a fantastic achievement for a Belfast-based SME.”
“Northern Ireland’s engineering and manufacturing sectors are rich with innovation, passion, and talent, and we are delighted to be representing the region on the UK stage.”
The Highly Commended award rounds off a successful year for the company, which was honoured with a Queen’s Award for Enterprise for Innovation in 2021, as well as being recognised by Innovate NI as a Platinum Level Innovator, the highest accolade available in the programme.
Stephen Phipson, Chief Executive of Make UK, 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 UK and as we re-build our economy there will be a bright future for companies and individuals that make the most of their talent.”
Darren continues:
“Innovation is in our nature. We will continue to work in partnership with our clients to integrate new technologies, leverage process improvements, and find time and cost efficiencies; designing and manufacturing machines and equipment that represent a step-change in the way things have always been done.”
“In addition to our Carbon Composite Preformers, we are innovative in the design and build of a wide range of bespoke and automated manufacturing equipment, as well as robotic and cobot systems. We have exciting projects to deliver in 2022 for the medical, pharmaceutical, water treatment, food manufacture, and component manufacture sectors, and we’re just getting started.”
For more information on PAC Group’s capabilities, or to discuss an upcoming project, call 02893 364600, or email info@pacgroup.co.uk.
