Brunner Mond toasts success at industry awards
May 19, 2009

Staff at Mid Cheshire company Brunner Mond are celebrating after picking up an award at the first-ever Chemicals Northwest Awards.

Brunner Mond was chosen from dozens of entries to win the Investor in Training Award, and was one of just three organisations shortlisted for the international award. The winners were unveiled at the Hilton in Manchester last week.

Chemicals Northwest is a cluster organisation which supports the region’s chemical industry. The inaugural Chemicals Northwest Awards were organised to celebrate the success of the region’s £10 billion chemical industry.

The Investor in Training Award — submitted by training and development manager, Vicky Hallion — recognised Brunner Mond’s commitment to training its employees through its operating technician development programme. The scheme – which gives all process operators the opportunity to become competent in at least three roles, and to gain further qualifications — was praised for its ‘strategic approach’ to workforce development. As part of the programme, extra operating berths are set up in addition to the shift complement, giving employees more time to focus on training.

John Kerrigan, managing director of Brunner Mond, said: “We are all delighted with our success at the first Chemicals Northwest Awards. We are particularly proud that our commitment to employee training has been recognised — staff development is ever more important during the economic downturn and we have worked hard to maintain our programme.”

Brunner Mond’s international trading record was also recognised at the awards — the company was shortlisted for the international award for successfully establishing a strong relationship with customers, distributors and local agents in more than 60 export markets. The entry — submitted by export sales manager Sebastien Mallet — highlighted how, in each market, Brunner Mond has developed its product portfolio to meet stringent local requirements, through significant levels of investment in both equipment and new technologies.

Jenny Clucas, CEO of Chemicals Northwest, said: “It’s great to be celebrating company achievements in the current economic situation and we are only able to do this because we have such a strong and diverse chemical industry in the region.

“The awards demonstrate that companies are still investing in skills, innovation and sustainable development in order to improve their businesses.”