Newport-based SPTS Technologies, a supplier of advanced wafer processing solutions for the global semiconductor industry and related markets, has added to this year's awards tally.

This completes a year in which the company was recognised for a variety of initiatives; from manufacturing excellence to impressive company growth over the past three years, culminating in the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade.

At the annual Insider's Made in Wales Awards, SPTS won the Manufacturer of the Year Award.

Kevin Crofton, executive vice president and chief operating officer, said: “It is a real validation of the hard work done by our employees based here in Newport. The judges recognised our focus on continuous improvement in our internal operations and in our ability to execute on customer engagements.”

SPTS was also honoured by EEF Future Manufacturing Awards with The South West Investing in Skills Award. This award recognises companies which invest to build skills, develop employees and harness the talent of its workforce.

SPTS now automatically qualifies for the national finals, where it will compete against other regional winners from across the UK. T

ony Knowles, SPTS’ vice president for global human resources, said: “The skills required by our workforce are highly technical and specialised, and recruitment of new staff as the company grows is an ongoing challenge. It is vital we invest in our people to stay ahead of the technology curve and developments in the market.”