Birmingham manufacturer wins regional SME award
Birmingham-based manufacturer Alwayse Engineering has been named SME of the Region at the Make UK Manufacturing Awards 2026.
The award was presented at the University of Warwick during the Midlands and East Regional Manufacturing Awards, which brought together businesses and industry leaders to celebrate excellence across the manufacturing sector.
The SME of the Region award recognises manufacturers with fewer than 250 employees that demonstrate ambition, innovation, strong leadership and progressive business practices.
Founded in Birmingham in 1939, Alwayse Engineering manufactures Ball Transfer Units (BTUs) and material handling solutions, with its products used in more than 60 countries worldwide.
Over the years, Alwayse has continued to expand its offering, developing complete material handling solutions for industries including air cargo, automotive, manufacturing and logistics.
Alongside enhancing its existing product range and developing new solutions, Alwayse has invested in technologies to improve productivity and capacity, including the integration of AI and automation into business processes.
The company also places a strong emphasis on its people, supporting workforce development through apprenticeships, new recruitment and opportunities for employees to grow within the business.
Beyond manufacturing, Alwayse remains committed to supporting its local community through charitable initiatives, including fundraising and support for St Basils and Macmillan Cancer Support.
Claire Umney, managing director of Alwayse Engineering, said: "This award is a fantastic achievement for everyone at Alwayse and a real recognition of the hard work and dedication that goes into moving our business forward.
"From developing new solutions and improving the way we work to supporting our people and local community, every department has played a part in getting us to where we are today.
"We're incredibly proud of what we've achieved together, and this recognition gives us even more motivation to continue building on that progress."
The awards evening also featured speakers the Rt Hon Robert Halfon and the Rt Hon Greg Clark, executive chair of the University of Warwick's Innovation District and Chair of WMG, the Warwick Manufacturing Group.
