Philtronics, a leading Contract Electronics Manufacturer (CEM) based in Aberdare, has been
named SME of the Region at Make UK’s Regional Manufacturing Awards, recognising its
outstanding growth, innovation, and community impact.
The company has also received the top award in the Developing Future Talent category for
its commitment to nurturing the next generation of engineers and technicians.
Since its founding in 2003, Philtronics has grown from a modest 500-square-foot startup
into a 25,000-square-foot facility, employing 85 people and achieving a 50/50 male/female
workforce and management team.
The company has become a cornerstone of Wales’ semiconductor, defence and medtech
sectors, delivering high-quality manufacturing services while fostering workforce
development, diversity, and community engagement.
Over the past three years, Philtronics has implemented a multi-faceted talent development
programme through the Philtronics Academy, digitalisation initiatives, and partnerships with
Merthyr College, Coleg Y Cymoedd, and the University of South Wales.
These efforts have upskilled staff, onboarded multiple apprentices – including several award-
winners – and engaged hundreds of local students in STEM and manufacturing careers,
building a sustainable pipeline of future talent.
Philtronics has also strengthened its community impact, supporting thousands of young
people and families through Action for Children, Ospreys in the Community, and local
wellbeing initiatives.
Simon Pritchard, CEO of Philtronics said:
“We are proud and grateful to Make UK for honouring Philtronics with two awards at the
Wales Regional Dinner. This recognition celebrates our efforts in developing the next
generation of technicians and engineers through our extensive outreach program,
supporting our steady growth as a key supply chain partner in the Welsh semiconductor
cluster and beyond. It also highlights our commitment to creating quality jobs and
opportunities that make a positive impact in our local community and strengthen Wales’
manufacturing legacy.”
It was also a good evening for Pontyclun-based FSG Tool & Die Ltd who won the Innovation
Award for creating new engineering solutions that tackle sustainability and manufacturing
challenges.
Since 2022, FSG has worked on a number of exciting projects for leading international
brands, including making EV battery tooling for Tesla with precision finer than a human hair,
reusable polymer cup tooling for Starbucks, and recyclable PET packaging tools for Müller.
All projects were paid for by the company itself, met international quality standards, and
were supported by £720,000 in R&D and £400,000 on new machinery. Which helped FSG
expand into new markets, strengthen its position with customers, and develop new patents.
Other South Wales winners on the night included:
Pontypool-based Airbond Ltd who won the Energy and Sustainability award. Frontier Medical Group (FMG) of Tredegar who won in the Business Growth and Strategy category.
Sony UK Technology Centre in Pencoed who took home the Manufacturing Impact
award.
The awards, organised by Make UK, the organisation which represents manufacturing
industry across the UK, were held to recognise the achievements of companies from across
Wales. The winners will now go on to the National Finals which will be held in London in
January 2026.
Janis Richards, Region Director for Make UK in Wales, said:
“These awards are a testament to the dynamic companies and individuals working within
engineering and manufacturing. The sector remains at the heart of creating wealth in Wales
and as we grow our economy there will be a bright future for companies and individuals
that make the most of their talent.”
Ryan Jones, General Manager at awards sponsors Sony UK Technology Centre, said:
“It’s an honour for Sony UK Technology Centre to sponsor this year’s Make UK Regional
Awards Dinner, celebrating the exceptional makers, innovators, and leaders who are driving
Wales’ manufacturing success. This event perfectly captures the spirit of creativity,
collaboration, and excellence that defines our sector. As we proudly mark 25 years of
manufacturing cameras at our Pencoed facility, we’re reminded that the strength of Welsh
manufacturing lies in its people – their skill, passion, and relentless pursuit of innovation.”
Dan Hulme, Head of Sales: Key Accounts at Inspired PLC, sponsors of the Energy and
Sustainability category said:
“With their extensive supply chains, resource requirements and energy-intensive
operations, the manufacturing sector stands at the epicentre in creating a more sustainable
future. Innovation, resourcefulness and dedication in this space is not only imperative, but
commendable. As an ardent advocate for encouraging excellence in manufacturing, I’m
honoured to continue my support for the Make UK Manufacturing Awards for a fourth
consecutive year.
“At Inspired PLC, we understand the role sustainable practices play in driving societal
change. Participating in the judging panel allows us to celebrate sustainable change within
the manufacturing industry. On a personal note, I would like to extend my best wishes to
the finalists in the ‘Energy and Sustainability’-category. I look forward to seeing your
achievements take centre stage at the Regional and National award ceremonies.”
Shane Taylor, Sales Manager at ECI Software Solutions, sponsors of the Innovation
category said:
“The UK’s manufacturing sector has a long history of innovation. Today, many are
embracing digital technologies, including AI, to transform how they work.
“As a software provider with decades of experience working with manufacturers, we know
that embracing new technologies isn’t easy for small and mid-sized manufacturers with
limited IT resources. That’s why it was important for us to sponsor this award to recognise
those who have embraced digital solutions, made changes and are now seeing the results.
Their dedication champions excellence across our industry, helping to secure investment
and new growth opportunities in both manufacturing and the UK economy.
“The winners of this category have demonstrated determination and creativity, and I’m
looking forward to seeing how they build on this success.”
About Make UK
Make UK, The Manufacturers’ Organisation, is the representative voice of UK
manufacturing.
Collectively we represent 20,000 companies of all sizes, from start-ups to multinationals,
across engineering, manufacturing, technology and the wider industrial sector. Everything
we do – from providing essential business support and training to championing
manufacturing industry in the UK and the EU – is designed to help British manufacturers
compete, innovate and grow.
From HR and employment law, health and safety to environmental and productivity
improvement, our advice, expertise and influence enables businesses to remain safe,
compliant and future-focused.
About Sony UK Technology Centre
Sony UK Technology Centre (UK TEC) employs over 500 highly skilled team members
dedicated to developing some of the most advanced technologies in the global market. In
addition to producing cutting-edge Sony broadcast solutions, its world-class engineers
collaborate on third-party manufacturing projects, leading to numerous commercial
successes, including the best-selling British computer of all time, the Raspberry Pi. UK TEC’s
award-winning Service Centre is the only Sony-owned repair facility in the UK, committed to
delivering exceptional customer satisfaction with a strong focus on quality and cost
competitiveness.
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