Barnstaple company wins prestigious manufacturing award

Barnstaple-based SFL Flues and Chimneys has been named winner of the EEF South West Region Business Growth Award, for bucking market trends and achieving 24 per cent growth over the last year. 

SFL manufactures stainless steel prefabricated flues and chimneys for residential and commercial use and won the award, sponsored by Westfield Health, for a remarkable performance brought about by its investment in lean business improvement techniques.  

Commented Sami Caglar, Managing Director of SFL: “Despite facing challenging trading conditions, we managed to prove that the manufacturing business is not just about making widgets; it can improve by combining manufacturing, service and business ethics. The company managed to control costs allowing for stable pricing, reduce lead times for customers and improve service levels allowing it to achieve profitable growth.”

The EEF awards, presented at @Bristol, recognise excellence in enterprise, innovation, environmental performance and skills development among UK manufacturers. The Business Growth Award is presented to the company which has achieved success through an actively managed and consistently delivered strategy.

EEF South West Region Director Phil Brownsord commented: “ The manufacturing industry is vital to the prosperity of the South West, employing around 250,000 people with a combined output in excess of £10bn.  It’s fantastic to see companies such as SFL demonstrate how strong growth is still achievable even in challenging times through innovation, process control and high levels of customer service. Congratulations to them on their success at these awards.”

Paul Shires, Executive Director at Westfield Health, sponsors of the Business Growth and Skills and Training awards, said: “Achieving significant business growth in today’s tough climate is a major accomplishment, but these companies have shown outstanding determination, innovation and commitment to workforce skills to buck the trend and make their businesses a success.”