Andrew Taylor, managing director of Huddersfield-based structural glass manufacturer, Specialist Glass Products, has not only been acknowledged in The Manufacturer Top 100 2021 but highlighted as an Exemplar for his exceptional contribution to the manufacturing sector.
The list showcases inspiring leaders and innovators in the manufacturing industry and celebrates the driving force behind the country’s manufacturing renaissance.
Nominated by other leaders, customers and team members, Andrew was one of the 100 selected by a judging panel as a recognised ‘hero of the industry’, honoured for his impact on the sector, creating innovative processes and technology and helping to encourage more young people into manufacturing careers.
After working for another glass manufacturer for 17 years, Andrew had his own goals and ambitions that exceeded his role leading him to set up Specialist Glass Products with his brother Jonathan in Huddersfield, providing bespoke, high-quality glass across the UK, Europe and USA.
Before the pandemic, Andrew made the decision to implement an extensive investment programme extending the manufacturing factory from 30,000 sq. ft. to 72,000 sq. ft. and equipping the new facility with the latest state-of-the-art machinery.
This investment allowed SGP to streamline its processes, improve quality and lead times to allow greater flexibility to its client base throughout lockdown. Andrew also funnelled the team’s skills and capabilities to fill a gap in the market and create glass “sneeze screens”, supporting businesses, retail and healthcare organisations with health and safety measures to protect staff and customers from the spread of COVID.
Out of the 100 judged to have made the cut, 20 have been highlighted as Exemplars, people who make a truly exceptional contribution to the sector every day.
Andrew said: “It is an honour to have been recognised for my enthusiasm and commitment to manufacturing. The past 18 months haven’t been easy for many, both professionally and personally, but luckily we were able to retain our workforce and grow our business further thanks to our previous investment and research.
“I’d like to say a big thank you to those who nominated me, and to the entire Specialist Glass team for their continued support, hard work and determination. We wouldn’t be able to do it without them.”
The Top 100 feature follows a number of recent successes for SGP including shortlists at the Yorkshire Business Masters Awards and Made in Yorkshire Awards, and being crowned the Eaton Smith Business of the Year.
