TWO companies from Dorset have been honoured at the EEF Future Manufacturing Awards.

Superior Seals Ltd of Wimborne was awarded for its work with schools and colleges, while Haystack Dryers of Ferndown was commended for its work on exports and growth.

Superior Seals manufactures precision ‘O’ rings. It won the EEF/JAM Recruitment Partnership with Education Award for its work with schools and colleges and on Science, Tehcnology, Engineer and Maths (Stem) events in encouraging manufacturing and engineering careers.

The judges were impressed by the company’s enthusiastic engagement with the community and its investment in infrastructure and outreach.

Haystack Dryers Ltd manufactures body dryers in Ferndown. It was highly commended in the EEF/Dunedin Export Growth Award category for its work in targeting and educating export markets and particular industries.

The company has seen a steady increase in revenue growth of 20 per cent year-on-year for the past four years.

John Morris, CEO at JAM Recruitment, said: “As specialist recruiters in the manufacturing industry, JAM is no stranger to the apparent skills gap. We applaud all of the companies within this category who have demonstrated their commitment to the cause and are playing a vital role in the growth of the industry.”

Dougal Bennett, partner of Dunedin, said: “We commend Haystack Dryers for being highly commended in the Export Growth category and for identifying new export opportunities and growing its business internationally over the last 10 years.”

Phil Brownsord, region director for the south west at EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, said: “The EEF Future Manufacturing Awards showcase the best of British innovation and excellence. They mark our industry’s importance, competitiveness and ability to adapt and thrive.”

The EEF Future Manufacturing Awards are sponsored by Aldermore Bank and were presented at the EEF National Gala Dinner at the Grand Connaught Rooms in London, and compered by Declan Curry.