That was the day that was for Gripple

In just one day, Gripple Limited, the innovative multi award-winning Sheffield company, not only received a Royal visit but also three more prestigious awards!.

HRH The Duke of Edinburgh officially opened Hog Works – the new Sheffield home of Gripple’s sister company and reusable packaging innovator, Loadhog, which completes Gripple’s latest ambitious and comprehensive expansion programme to expedite their ongoing growth. The Duke, who also presented Gripple’s latest Queen’s Award for Sustainable Development, remarked that he was delighted to be a guest at such a successful company and wished everyone a Happy Christmas.

Following comprehensive redevelopment to restore the 12,000 sq m building to its former glory, Hog Works provides 250 per cent more space, amalgamating Loadhog’s administrative, production and hi-tech washing activities and housing an additional new 1,700 tonne injection moulding machine. The facility also incorporates the group’s ideas and innovations centre, which includes the innovative incubator, Incub.

Gripple, global leading manufacturer of wire joining devices, may be the only Yorkshire company to be visited by three members of the Royal family. The Prince of Wales opened Gripple’s headquarters, The Old West Gun Works and The Duke of York ‘cut the ribbon’ at Loadhog’s first home, which now accommodates Gripple’s agricultural sales team and facilitates increased production. The Old West Gun Works now has the capacity to take in newly-ordered machinery, ahead of the company launching new products into wide ranging industrial markets.

On the same day, Gripple was presented with The Phillip Baxendale Award by the Employee Ownership Association, for promoting an employee ownership culture, in addition to The Best People and Skills prize in the Manufacturer of the Year Awards, recognising the company’s commitment to its staff and to their development.

Hugh Facey, Gripple chairman, said: “The Duke of Edinburgh’s visit was a tremendous honour for both companies. I think it acknowledges all that we have achieved in Sheffield, and the acquisition of even more awards truly reflects the tremendous effort and commitment of our employees. I am certain that everyone present on this memorable day – customers, partners, suppliers, special guests and staff alike – will remember it for many years to come.”

Among numerous awards, Gripple was voted the Best SME in the UK, the Best Engineering Plant and is believed to be the only SME in the UK to have secured Queen’s Awards in each of its three categories.