In this exclusive interview filmed after Faulkner collected the top award, the snacks boss told FoodManufacture.co.uk: “We employ 700 people from the [Teesside] area and this award will be a huge boost for them. They will be thrilled to bits. This award is for them.”
In addition to boosting staff morale, Faulkner also said the award would also offer useful business benefits.
‘Really bring the business together’
“Winning this award will really bring the business together,” said Faulkner. “The kudos you can gain from our major retail customers will also be helpful.”
SK Chilled Foods won the top award after first winning the Chilled Manufacturing Company of the Year award, sponsored by KDH Projects, earlier in the evening of Wednesday November 1 at The Hilton on Park Lane in London.
The FMEAs’ independent judging panel – led by Paul Wilkinson, chair of the National Skills Academy for Food and Drink – praised the firm’s relentless attention to detail in carving out its place in the highly competitive UK snacks market, estimated to be worth £119M a year.
‘Process innovation and customer service’
“Every year, the judges’ challenge to pick out just one winner becomes a little more difficult,” said Wilkinson. “But this year, SK Chilled Foods emerged as the judges’ top choice, thanks to its deep commitment to new product development, process innovation and customer service.”
The overall award was sponsored by Michael Page Engineering and Manufacturing.
The annual FMEAs, organised by William Reed’s Food Manufacture Group, now in their 17th year, have become the premier showcase for British food and drink manufacturing excellence.
Thanks to the FMEA sponsors: Columbus, DR Newitt, Lockton, Michael Page Engineering and Manufacturing, Celsius, Sanderson, SA Partners, PPMA and KDH Projects.
Read the full list of winners and finalists here.
Read more information about the food and drink manufacturing Oscars here and how to register your interest for next year’s awards here.