Apex Pumps celebrates award-winning year of growth, investment, innovation and industry recognition

32 4 minutes read

Listen to this article

Bristol-based pump manufacturer reports record order book, major investment in UK manufacturing and wins top sustainability honour at the Pump Industry Awards 2026.

It has been a phenomenal 12 months for Apex Pumps, with the British manufacturer celebrating one of the most successful periods in its 35 year history.

From record sales performance and major investment in UK manufacturing capability, to sustainability leadership and award-winning performance at industry awards, Apex Pumps has strengthened its position as one of the UK’s leading centrifugal pump manufacturers – trusted by customers where reliability and performance are critical.

Founded in 1988, Apex Pumps has grown from a small industrial unit in South Gloucestershire into a modern, highly respected manufacturer operating from expanded facilities in Staple Hill, Bristol. The business designs and manufactures bespoke centrifugal pump solutions, offers rigorous testing and also a spare parts sales hub.

Record performance driven by investment and profile growth

Over the past year, Apex Pumps has reported its largest ever order book, equivalent to six months of turnover, and has also achieved significant operational improvements. Apex has enhanced on-time delivery performance, and as such has seen returning customers place larger, repeat orders and lapsed clients return, also driven by increased visibility and awareness of Apex’s capabilities.

A major contributor to this success has been a substantial investment in marketing and brand awareness. Apex Pumps has significantly raised its industry profile, delivering strong engagement and tangible commercial results, a strategy recently recognised with a Highly Commended award for Marketing Campaign of the Year at the Made in Britain Impact Awards.

Expanding UK manufacturing and reshoring capability

Apex Pumps has made a major investment in its Bristol headquarters, expanding its premises to support future growth and increasing demand while maintaining the quality standards the company is known for.

The business has invested heavily in state-of-the-art CNC machinery, including Mazak Quick Turn lathes and HCN NEO horizontal machining centres, enabling greater precision, efficiency and control across the manufacturing process. Importantly, this has allowed Apex to bring more machining in-house and restore stainless steel machining and casting operations back to the UK, reducing reliance on overseas suppliers.

These investments have not only increased manufacturing capacity but also strengthened Apex’s commitment to British engineering and long-term supply chain resilience.

People are at the heart of Apex Pumps

While investment in technology has been key, Apex Pumps is clear that its success is driven by its people.

The company continues to invest heavily in skills and training, with apprenticeship training deeply rooted into its culture. 36% of the current workforce began their careers as apprentices, including four current apprentices, while four former apprentices now work full-time within the business.

Apex Pumps is a long-standing supporter of engineering education, helping to shape the next generation of engineering talent; delivering BEMA apprenticeship schemes, sponsoring STEM On Track at IKB Academy in Keynsham, and supporting a range of local community initiatives. Members of the Apex team, including Managing Director Andrew Simpson and selection of Apex apprentices, also recently spoke at a regional Future of Work event, highlighting the value of vocational training and career progression in engineering.

One notable success story is Co-Director Sam Kemp, who began his career as an IT apprentice and has progressed into a senior leadership role – a clear example of the long-term opportunities available within the business.

Driving sustainability in pump manufacturing

Sustainability remains a core focus for Apex Pumps, with the business making measurable progress towards net-zero operations.

Over the past year, Apex has achieved a 40% reduction in CO₂e emissions, generated 175 MWh of renewable energy from its 150 kW solar array in Bristol, and reduced grid electricity usage by 37.8% through renewables and smarter energy management.

Further initiatives include an EV company fleet, a Cycle to Work scheme, the creation of wildlife meadows, and significant reductions in transport emissions through reshoring manufacturing processes to the UK.

These efforts have been recognised nationally, with Apex Pumps named Runner Up for Sustainability Initiative of the Year at the Made in Britain Impact Awards and crowned Winner of the Sustainable Contribution for a Better World category at the BPMA Pump Industry Awards 2026.

Continued recognition at national industry awards

Apex Pumps achieved standout success at the BPMA Pump Industry Awards 2026, securing national recognition across multiple categories:

Sustainable Contribution for a Better World – WINNER
Manufacturer of the Year Finalist
Rising Star Award Finalist – recognising apprentice Jordan Hopkins

Winning one of the industry’s most competitive sustainability awards, alongside finalist positions in key categories, firmly positions Apex Pumps at the forefront of UK pump manufacturing innovation, environmental responsibility and talent development.

2016 pia sustainable contribution for a better world win

Looking ahead to another successful year of growth

Andrew Simpson, Managing Director at Apex Pumps, said:

“This past year has been transformational for Apex Pumps. We’ve invested heavily in our people, our facilities and our manufacturing capability, while staying true to what matters most – engineering reliable, high-performance pumps that our customers can depend on.

“To be recognised as winners for sustainability, alongside being named finalists in multiple categories, is a huge achievement for our team and reflects the real impact of the investments we’ve made across the business, and we see this as just the beginning of the next phase of growth for Apex.”

To find out more about Apex Pumps and its innovative pump solutions, proudly made in Britain, see: www.apexpumps.com