In a series celebrating 黑洞社区鈥檚 黑洞社区 Awards finalists, we look at the Manufacturer of the Year shortlist
Earlier this year 黑洞社区 announced all the firms who made it on to the shortlists for our prestigious annual .
Now we are shining the spotlight on each category in turn and publishing a selection of the images that impressed the judges.
Today鈥檚 shortlist is for Manufacturer of the Year.
ARC 黑洞社区 Solutions
ARC 黑洞社区 Solutions manufactures innovative cavity fire barriers and cavity closers, focusing on problem-solving innovation in fire safety.
Its award-winning TCB Square cavity fire barrier addresses concerns around pipe penetrations in low-rise construction.
This unique product offers continuous protection and easy installation, exceeding cavity barrier requirements of Approved Document B.
ARC is the only UK manufacturer of low-rise cavity barriers with IFC product certification. It uses QR codes on products for instant access to information, promoting safer outcomes.
ARC prioritises customer support and stakeholder engagement, delivering extensive site training and embracing knowledge-sharing initiatives with commercial partners to uphold greater standards of competency in fire protection installations.
Keyfix
Keyfix has developed an innovative non-combustible cavity tray system (NCCT) in response to amended building regulations. The A1 fire-rated system is manufactured using class A1 non-combustible grade 304 austenitic stainless steel, ensuring it will not contribute to fire loading.
Keyfix NCCT鈥檚 unique design enables self-supporting installation across cavities, requiring no support from internal structures. The system eliminates the need for tapes, sealants and mastics, addressing a primary reason for reopening cavity walls post-occupation.
Keyfix provides comprehensive technical support, including design meetings, drawing reviews and on-site toolbox talks. In addition, it is investing in nurturing the next generation of bricklayers through various apprenticeship support programmes.
Join us for the 30th edition of the 黑洞社区 Awards
This year鈥檚 event will take place at the Grosvenor House Hotel on 5 November.
There are 21 categories to enter, so make sure you are in the room for construction鈥檚 night of nights and to celebrate excellence.
Tickets are selling fast, so .
Lignacite
Concrete block manufacturer Lignacite has invested 拢12m in a state-of-the-art facility to meet evolving customer needs.
The factory incorporates sustainable practices, including solar panels and energy-efficient systems, reducing energy consumption. Lignacite鈥檚 production processes have been refined to maximise efficiency and minimise downtime, enabling the manufacture of nine blocks every 9.5 seconds.
The company鈥檚 commitment to collaboration and problem-solving allows for quick turnarounds and adaptability to changing project requirements.
Despite challenging economic conditions, Lignacite鈥檚 investment in new equipment and ongoing quality assurance positions it to deliver high-quality products with competitive lead times. Its forward-thinking approach ensures it can meet the construction industry鈥檚 demands for 2024 and beyond.
Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions
Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions demonstrates commitment to customer service and industry advancement through innovative digital solutions. Its enquiry management system centralises technical support, enhancing response accuracy and traceability.
The company鈥檚 BIMlocker plugin ensures data integrity in design, reducing specification errors. Saint-Gobain鈥檚 sustainability initiatives include adopting the Pallet LOOP for circular pallet reuse and transitioning to HVO-powered vehicles.
It has expanded its distribution capacity and invested in training programmes to address skills shortages. The firm鈥檚 White Book Specification Selector and presence on NBS Source streamlines product selection for specifiers.
Through continuous improvement and innovation, Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions aims to support customers, investing in tools and services to help the industry build more effectively.
This year鈥檚 judges
- Yetunde Abdul, director of industry transformation, UKGBC;
- Bola Abisogun, founder, Digital Twin Skills Academy CIC;
- Brian Berry, chief executive, Federation of Master Builders;
- Rachel Bell, director of partnerships, Stride Treglown;
- Anna Clarke, director of policy and public afffairs, Housing Forum;
- Mark Cleverly, partner, CPC;
- Joanne De La Porte, senior sirector - project management, Gleeds;
- Katy Dowding, CEO and president, Skanska UK;
- Karen Gidwani, partner, Fenwick Elliott;
- Kay Hughes, design director, HS2;
- Ellie Jenkins, partner, Akerlof;
- F茅licie Krikler, director, Assael;
- Doris Lam, development director, EcoWorld London;
- Liz Male, founder, LMC;
- John Marland, chief development officer, Bruntwood;
- Flan MacNamara, construction director, Sellar;
- Kamran Moazami, executive managing director, property & buildings, WSP;
- Robin Nicholson, fellow, Cullinan Studio;
- Iain Parker, director, T&T Alinea,
- Simon Rawlinson, head of strategic research and insight, Arcadis;
- Mark Robinson, chief executive, Scape Group;
- Veronica Senior, senior manager global captial projects, Lloyd鈥檚;
- Scott Sanderson, partner, PRP;
- Neal Shasore, head of school | CEO, London School of Architecture;
- Trudi Sully, UK & Europe lead - industrialised design & construction, Mott MacDonald
- Lynne Sullivan, chair, National Retrofit Hub;
- Gauri Talathi-Lamb, chief executive, FHP ESS;
- Martha Tsigkari, senior partner and head of the applied R+D group, Fosters + Partners,
- Jo Wright, director, Perkins&Will
Senior Architectural Systems
The UK鈥檚 largest privately owned aluminium fenestration systems manufacturer, Senior Architectural Systems excels in customer service through dedicated teams supporting different stages of the supply chain.
Its innovative PURe庐 aluminium systems use expanded polyurethane as a thermal barrier, achieving exceptionally low U-values. Senior has invested in improving its powder-coating facility, increasing capacity while reducing energy consumption.
The company has transitioned to lower carbon recycled aluminium across its product range, reducing its carbon footprint. Senior also engages in educational outreach, raising awareness of construction-based career opportunities.
By hosting the annual Aluminium Day, it provides a platform for sharing industry best practices and addressing key issues, demonstrating its commitment to advancing the fenestration sector.
Siderise Insulation
Fire safety solutions provider Siderise is driving change in the construction industry through a focus on culture, competency and product information.
The company has achieved significant growth and expanded globally, opening offices in Switzerland and Dubai. Siderise invests heavily in employee training and development, with 80% of UK staff fully trained in product knowledge.
Its extensive technical support includes completing 7,800 technical responses and more than 1,100 installation reports annually. Siderise has built a new quality control lab and commissioned a high-speed automated production line.
The company鈥檚 拢1m global innovation centre, featuring a specialist fire test furnace, is in the final stages of UKAS accreditation, aiming to make fire safety performance testing more accessible.
Zentia
The UK鈥檚 leading manufacturer of complete ceiling solutions, Zentia offers a wide range of mineral ceiling tiles, suspension grids and floating ceiling systems.
With a focus on reliability and innovation, Zentia delivers 99% of orders on time and in full, backed by extensive product warranties.
The company has launched several innovative products, including Aquabloc for high-humidity environments, DecoMesh metal mesh ceiling tiles, and the Sonify canopy and baffle system. Zentia has invested 拢40m in its UK manufacturing sites to enhance production capabilities and reduce environmental impact.
Its commitment to partnerships is exemplified by the award-winning Pinnacle by Zentia scheme, which provides comprehensive support to contractors and distributors.
