Pictures: Northern Ireland’s top manufacturers recognised across innovation, export, sustainability and engineering at flagship awards

The best of Northern Ireland’s manufacturing sector has been celebrated at Insider's Made in Northern Ireland Awards.

Last week's (Wednesday) black-tie event was held at Titanic Belfast and showcased the strength, depth and diversity of the country's manufacturing businesses. It was compered by Kirstie McMurray.

3T Power was the headline sponsor, with director Shauna Forbes saying: "We were so impressed by the level of entries put forward for this year’s Made in Northern Ireland Awards. The event offered incredible insight into the high level at which our local firms operate globally. We would especially like to recognise Ronan Mallaghan, CEO of Mallaghan Engineering, for his outstanding contribution to Northern Ireland Manufacturing.

"Founded as a civil engineering firm in the 1960s, Mallaghan has evolved into a leading manufacturer of Ground Service Equipment. Their continued innovation and commitment to growth and sustainability can be seen clearly with their products being used by airports and airlines globally.

"3T Power is proud to support manufacturing companies across Northern Ireland as they seek ways to future-proof their businesses, operating with sustainability at their core. We look forward to continuing to grow our relationships within this booming sector."

The awards were also supported by HNH Partners and MCS Group. Coca-Cola HBC sponsored the drinks reception, Foot Antsey McKees the networking booklet and Thales Belfast the table plan. This year’s chosen charity is Business Beats Cancer Northern Ireland.

Newcomer of the Year Award Winner: Nomadic Watches Ltd The judges were impressed by the company’s strong early growth, international appeal and ability to create a distinctive premium brand in a highly competitive global market. Combining craftsmanship, ambition and commercial momentum, the business has shown what can be achieved by a modern Northern Ireland manufacturer with a clear identity and export potential. Shortlisted: Demanu Ltd EHS International Lingo AI

Food & Drink Award Sponsored by HNH Partners Winner: Thompson’s Tea In a challenging market, the company has continued to grow market share while maintaining quality and consistency. The panel also recognised the company’s long-term stability, strong family leadership and enduring contribution to Northern Ireland manufacturing. Shortlisted: AAPTA NUTRIFOODS Big Pot Co. Crawfords Rock Ltd Crust & Crumb Bakery Jackson Roze Melters Chocolate Stephens Catering Equipment The Curly Pigs

Sustainable/Ethical Manufacturer Award Winner: Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland The panel was impressed by the company’s significant investment in sustainable production, including operational efficiency, recycled plastic technology and measurable environmental improvements backed by clear evidence and data. Through long-term investment, innovation and a strong commitment to responsible manufacturing, the company has demonstrated leadership within Northern Ireland’s manufacturing sector. Shortlisted: Comfizone Ltd Decora Blind Systems Energystore Heron Manufacture Navico Group Regency Carpet Manufacturing RTU Ltd Western Building Systems

Export Award Winner: Rapid International Rapid International has built a strong international reputation for manufacturing innovation, supplying advanced mixing and batching technology across the global construction and infrastructure sectors. The panel also recognised the company’s continued investment in manufacturing capability, job creation and export growth, alongside its contribution to the regional economy. Shortlisted: Nomadic Watches Ltd Relinea

Product Innovation of the Year award Sponsored by MCS Group Winner: FLEXGUARD® by Hunter Apparel Solutions Ltd The panel recognised the company’s ability to combine advanced protective functionality with strong commercial and export potential, while delivering a product capable of making a real impact in public safety environments. In a highly competitive global market, the judges believed the innovation demonstrated ambition, originality and clear market opportunity. Shortlisted: AXCEL by Axial3D BeMe by Leckey Comfizone Natural Wool Mattress Collection by Comfizone Ltd ConneXYZ by Demanu Ltd Marine Integrated Fuel Tank by Navico Group Ninox eSWIR 640 by Raptor Photonics Salt Secure Communications System by Salt Communications Spacebead by Energystore Thermasafe 30™ by Heron Manufacture

Investment Project of the Year Winner: Navantia UK's £90m Revival of Harland & Wolff The judges recognised Navantia UK and its investment in Harland & Wolff as one of the most significant industrial projects in Northern Ireland in recent years. The panel was impressed by the scale of ambition behind the £90m revival project and its potential to secure skilled jobs, restore manufacturing confidence and strengthen Belfast’s position within global shipbuilding and advanced engineering. The judges also recognised the wider strategic importance of bringing long-term international investment into one of Northern Ireland’s most iconic industrial businesses. Shortlisted: Nomadic Watches Belfast showroom and assembly facility investment RTU’s investment in a new concrete waste recycling system

Collaboration of the Year Winner: Mallaghan & IFM Partnership The panel recognised the companies’ joint work in developing advanced safety and sensor technology for airport ground support equipment, helping to improve operational safety and performance in demanding international environments. Judges also praised the partnership for delivering tangible results through a sustained collaborative approach built on shared expertise and problem-solving. Shortlisted: DP3 by Environmental Street Furniture & Ubloquity Navico Group: Project Freeride Re-Gen & Polytag Ubloquity & Ping Group Whitespace Global Ltd & Oracle

Apprentice of the Year Award Winner: Aoife Rooney, Collins Aerospace The judges were impressed by the initiative, technical ability and professionalism demonstrated by Collins Aerospace apprentice Aoife Rooney. The panel recognised her contribution to continuous improvement projects, including the introduction of digital tools and QR code systems, alongside the confidence and trust she has earned within the business at an early stage in her career. The judges also praised her proactive mindset, leadership qualities and commitment to developing her skills within the engineering and manufacturing sector. Shortlisted: Claire Stephenson, Mallaghan Engineering Daniel Evans, Eden Fabrications Dillon Spence, Collins Aerospace Harrison Rollo, Regency Carpet Manufacturing Holly McCafferty, MJM Marine Leo McBride, Regency Carpet Manufacturing Reuben Allen, Thales Belfast Scott Martin, Mallaghan Engineering Teagan Dorman, Mallaghan Engineering

Engineering Manufacturer of the Year Winner: Navico Group The judges were impressed by Navico Group and its continued success in combining advanced engineering, manufacturing excellence and innovation from its Northern Ireland base. The panel recognised the company’s ability to compete internationally while continuing to invest in local engineering capability, product development and operational performance. The judges also praised the resilience and long-term strength of the business, which has continued to thrive within a highly competitive global market. Shortlisted: COPAS Technologies Mallaghan Engineering

Engineer of the Year Winner: Philip Eadie, Navico Group The judges were impressed by the contribution made by Navico Group engineer Philip Eadie, whose leadership, technical expertise and operational impact stood out in a highly competitive category. The panel recognised his role in delivering significant process improvements, cost savings and engineering innovation, alongside his ability to lead and support teams across multiple operations. Judges also praised the depth of detail within the submission and the clear evidence of measurable results achieved through his work. Shortlisted: Lukasz Milewski, Regency Carpet Manufacturing Shaun Copas, COPAS Technologies Tomas McQuaid, Mallaghan Engineering Viral Patel, Sensoteq

Manufacturer of the Year (under £25m) Winner: Raptor Photonics The panel recognised the company’s strong focus on research and development, alongside its advanced imaging and digital camera technologies serving demanding international markets. The judges also praised the business for combining technical excellence, innovation and manufacturing capability within a highly competitive global sector. Shortlisted: Comfizone Ltd COPAS Technologies Nomadic Watches Ltd Pollock Lifts

Manufacturer of the Year (over £25m) Winner: Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland The judges were impressed by Coca-Cola HBC Ireland & Northern Ireland and its continued commitment to manufacturing excellence at scale. The panel recognised the company’s investment in digitisation, operational efficiency and advanced manufacturing systems at its Lisburn operation, alongside strong commercial performance and continuous improvement across the business. The judges also praised the quality of the submission and the clear evidence of operational leadership within one of Northern Ireland’s largest manufacturing facilities. Shortlisted: Mallaghan Engineering Western Building Systems

Outstanding Contribution to Northern Ireland Manufacturing Sponsored by 3T Power Winner: Ronan Mallaghan, Mallaghan Engineering The judges recognised Mallaghan Engineering chief executive Ronan Mallaghan for his exceptional contribution to manufacturing in Northern Ireland. Under his leadership, Mallaghan Engineering has grown into a globally recognised engineering and export business, delivering significant expansion, international growth and long-term investment from its Northern Ireland base. The panel also praised his role in building a resilient, family-owned manufacturing business that continues to create skilled employment and compete successfully on the world stage. Shortlisted: Transformative contribution of NITC, PPRC and NIACE - now unified as Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC) Powerscreen, part of the Terex Corporation Richard Bovill, Navico Group

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