2025 Solids Handling Industry Awards Winners

2025 Solids Handling Industry Awards: Celebrating Excellence

The 2025 Solids Handling Industry Awards are here, shining a spotlight on remarkable achievements in innovation, sustainability, safety, training, exports, and leadership. The winners truly represent the pinnacle of the industry, highlighting cutting-edge technology, a commitment to environmental stewardship, and exemplary leadership.

Innovation in Technology Award

Winner: FEG Global
FEG Global took home the award for its groundbreaking LGC Scrubber, designed to tackle the tricky issue of oil mist and odour in industrial frying processes. Originally created for coated fish production, this innovative technology effectively manages oil mists, sticky particles, and burnt crumbs using scrubber compounds in the vapour phase—something that was only achievable with thermal oxidisers before now.

This system also serves as a fire barrier, is approved by insurance standards, and cuts down on cleaning and maintenance costs thanks to its integrated CIP programme, which can connect to fryer CIP systems. Plus, it allows for oil separation for recycling, opening up new revenue opportunities while minimizing environmental impact.

Finalists: Dust Control Environmental, Perry of Oakley

Sustainability Award

Winner: RHF Fans
RHF Fans has shown its dedication to sustainability by installing a 257.72kW solar PV system made up of 600 panels, which has generated over 180,600kWh of clean energy since 2023.

The company is also pushing the envelope on energy efficiency in centrifugal fans with its Smoothflow™ technology, which cuts down on turbulence, noise, and power consumption. This technology is now part of their entire product lineup, helping customers save on energy costs while reducing their carbon footprint.

Finalists: Polimak, Promtek

Newcomer of the Year Award

Winner: Katie Burrell, APS UK
Katie Burrell, a Technical and Project Engineer at APS UK, has been celebrated for her outstanding skills in dust and fume extraction systems. At APS, she takes charge of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) projects, making sure everything is compliant, safe, and efficient.

Her tailored solutions for clients have not only boosted operational safety and sustainability but have also helped cut down on industrial emissions. Katie’s enthusiasm, professionalism, and technical expertise have already left a lasting impression on both her colleagues and clients.

Finalists: Sam Somers (Perry of Oakley), Ben Kimpton (Sigma HSE)

Export Award

Winner: Woodcock & Wilson
Woodcock & Wilson has experienced a staggering sevenfold increase in international sales, particularly thriving in the Middle East with an incredible 5900% growth thanks to their customized solutions designed for extreme environmental conditions.

The company has also made successful strides into North America, Australia, Malaysia, China, and India, solidifying its status as a global leader in fan technology.

Finalists: Akona Process Solutions, Russell Finex

Innovation in Training & Development Award

Winner: Promtek
Promtek has earned praise for its dedication to nurturing young talent, actively hiring apprentices for its Projects and Service teams, and providing school placements. The company proudly achieved the Next Gen Makers Gold Accreditation, scoring an impressive 99 out of 100, which highlights it as one of the UK’s top employers for engineering apprenticeships.

Additionally, Promtek collaborates with a charity focused on employment for veterans, supporting recruitment from a variety of backgrounds.

Finalists: Baker Perkins, ISF

Innovation in Safety Award

Winner: Woodcock & Wilson
Woodcock & Wilson goes above and beyond when it comes to safety, not just meeting compliance but actively seeking independent certification and third-party audits for their Ex equipment. They foster a robust safety culture, emphasize ongoing training, and ensure their leaders are involved in global standards committees like IECEx, ATEX, and CEN.

This thorough approach leads to safer operations, minimizes risks, and sets the bar for safety performance in the industry.

Finalists: Fike UK, Hargreaves Industrial Services

Apprentice Project Prize Award

Winner: Cameron Fraser, Ebro Valves
Cameron Fraser joined Ebro Valves in 2022 as an Engineering Apprentice and has quickly become a key player in a £151,000 valve project for Endress and Hauser. His knack for problem-solving during project testing has earned him praise from clients, who describe him as “a real find.”

Now stepping into a Trainee Technical Valve Engineer role, Cameron is continuing his journey with a HNC in Engineering. His achievements have also motivated Ebro to broaden its apprenticeship program.

Finalists: Matty Carroll (Akona Process Solutions), Ellis Granger & Henry Graves (Baker Perkins)

Company of the Year Award

Winner: Promtek
Promtek has made impressive strides with a 20% revenue growth and has gained global recognition as a leading System Integrator. With certifications in ISO 9001, 45001, and 14064, they truly set the bar high in terms of quality, safety, and sustainability.

Their technological advancements include the introduction of the Condor Microman, which enhances batch traceability, along with a cloud-based subscription model that provides flexible digital solutions. Promtek has also been celebrated for its outstanding apprenticeship programs, solidifying its position as a leader in the industry.

Finalists: ISF, Vent-Tech

Lifetime Achievement Award

Winner: Ian Birkinshaw
Ian Birkinshaw has devoted his career to the field of bulk materials handling, starting as an electrical design engineer at Portasilo and later stepping up as Operations Director. In 2014, he took on the role of General Secretary of SHAPA, where his hands-on style made him a go-to advisor and a vital resource for both members and leadership.

As he prepares to hand over the reins to his successor, Louise Smallwood, in 2024, Ian is ensuring a smooth transition while still offering his wisdom and support. His contributions over the past decade have truly made a lasting mark on the industry.

👉 To check out all the finalists and get more details, be sure to download the Awards Brochure.

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