CarnaudMetalbox Engineering are immensely proud to announce their latest accolade:

The Queen's Award for Enterprise: International Trade 2010

This much coveted honour is bestowed on companies by HM Queen on the Prime Minister of the UK's recommendation.

On the 21 April 2010, Shipley based engineering company CarnaudMetalbox Engineering Ltd (CMBE) a subsidiary of Crown Holdings, Inc, USA has received the Queen's Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category.

A specialist in the design and manufacture of precision metal forming and metal finishing machinery used in the manufacture of beverage and food cans, CMBE was recognized for its continued innovation and contributions to the global canmaking industry. "We are immensely proud of our operation, which has been part of the West Yorkshire community for 46 years" said Ian Scholey, Managing Director of CMBE. "Our engineers are committed to finding ways to improve the efficiency and functionality of steel and aluminum food and beverage cans, which are an essential part of consumers every day lives. We are honored to be recognized for these efforts."

CMBE's development efforts have resulted in a number of innovations that have helped speed the production of food and beverage cans, reduce overall material use and improve efficiencies across the supply chain.

For example, the 160 Spin Necker Flanger changed the face of drinks cans by 'necking in' the top of the can and reducing the amount of metal used in the end or lid, This step change also facilitates shelf stacking and give cans a more modern appearance. Ceramic bearings were introduced into the can closing tooling which seam beverage can ends onto the can after filling, greatly increased tooling life while also reducing filling line stoppages. The Base Profile Reformer introduced a new profile to the base of beverage cans increased can strength and reducing metal use by around 5%. The 5000 Bodymaker became the first machine to produce can bodies at speeds of 400 cans every minute. In 2007, a new Necker, with a number of innovative features was successfully launched into the market and last year the development of a new Can Printer was announced.

Sales Manager, Adrian Long spends a considerable part of his working life outside the UK. He says "Since I joined CMBE in 1979 I have seen us grow in stature. Against the backdrop of the world recession, we are privileged to have an order book which stretches into 2011. Our market coverage is truly global with primary penetration into the EU (34% of total overseas sales), Asia (27%) then Africa, USA and the Americas. South America, especially Brazil is experiencing significant growth currently and this is becoming an increasing more important market with a large number of sales in 2010 destined for this region. We export directly to all countries except Asia where we on occasions work with agents and trading partners depending upon the customer."

After sales service and commissioning is handled by senior engineers who also travel constantly. Staff retention at Shipley approaches 100%. Many managers are former apprentices. Engineering skill is intense with significant annual investment in innovation.

Between 2006 and 2008, overseas sales increased 60%. In 2008, nearly 90% of all sales went overseas.

For further information contact, Ian Scholey on +44 (0) 1274 846200