Green award for Diodes

OLDHAM semiconductor manufacturer Diodes Zetex has been named among the country’s top performers in the inaugural Future Manufacturing Awards.

The company, based at the Zetex Technology Park, Scottfield Road, Chadderton, won the environment category — for the company which has done most to improve operational efficiency while reducing environmental impact.

The firm received its award at a ceremony at the Imperial War Museum at Salford Quays and will now represent the North-West at the national finals in February next year.

Launched this year by the EEF, the engineering manufacturers’ organisation, the awards celebrate enterprise, innovation, environmental performance and skills development.

The citation reads that Diodes Zetex had won the award because of the “‘significant effort to reduce the company’s carbon footprint — which is down by more than 50 per cent.” Chairman of the judges Professor Steve Evans, said they had been impressed by Diodes Zetex’s efforts to put the environmental performance at the heart of the business, and added: “This involved the production process and employee involvement through ‘green teams’ to improve energy efficiency.”

Diodes’ UK operations manager Mick Conlon said: “In response to harsh global economic conditions, our UK manufacturing operation has had to undergo radical change. Thanks to the perseverance of our work force, in accepting and managing the changes, we are now well equipped to capitalise on the opportunities arising as we emerge from the downturn.”