Local manufacturer makes shortlist for internation...

A Warwickshire manufacturer specialising in components for the automotive industry has made the shortlist for this year’s international Investors in People Awards for excellence in people management practice.

Rugby based company Automotive Insulations (www.autins.co.uk), who develop and manufacture acoustic and thermal insulation materials, was selected for inclusion in a shortlist of six from over 400 applications worldwide.

Open to a range of sectors, Automotive Insulations (known as AI) are the only representatives from the manufacturing industry in their category, Best Newcomer (50-249 employees). Successful nominees need to have joined the Investors in People scheme during the past year, with finalists demonstrating ‘passion, dedication and unswerving commitment to investing in their workforce’.

In order to achieve their original award, AI had to meet key criteria based around areas such as business strategy, learning and development, people management, leadership and reward and recognition. The award application is evaluated by the external assessor and once granted, is valid for three years.

“We worked really hard to gain our Investors in People award and so to  have that recognised by being shortlisted for the international awards as Best Newcomer is a fantastic achievement which validates the rigorous processes for training and development that we have in place,” comments AI’s Human Resources Manager Liz Northwood.

“The management team at AI is delighted to have achieved this important award which recognises and celebrates our commitment to the people who work here. At AI we believe that the investment in our people is at least as important as our investment in technology.”

The annual awards comprise 15 categories which celebrate the achievements of the accredited organisations. Paul Devoy, Head of Investors in People paid tribute to the volume and quality of applications, saying “Once again we have been overwhelmed by the number and calibre of entries received for the Investors in People Awards. It's fantastic to see so many organisations nominated for outperforming in their sector, demonstrating great people management and a commitment to staff development.”

Formed in 1991, Investors in People was established by the UK Government to help organisations get the best from their people  In excess of 15,000 organisations across 75 countries have now achieved accreditation.

Automotive Insulations employ over 120 people at their UK headquarters near junction 2 of the M6. Set up in 1966, the company make materials and components for a range of industries, including automotive, marine and flooring. Clients include VW, Bentley and Jaguar Land Rover.