THE biggest smile of the night belonged to Pete Connor, director of Pure Fabs Ltd.

The firm won this year's Manufacturer of the Year Award, sponsored by MBDA.

Pete said: "Manufacturing is on the up, we were up against two other really great finalists.

"We read through their briefs and thought we did not stand a chance. This is amazing it is our first time here, and so to actually win, we came and none of us came here tonight thinking we would win.

"We were hear to spend time with other businesses tonight, Bolton is just a fantastic place to be, we are just made up."

He added: "Obviously the judges saw something a little bit different in us.

"We are a very forward thinking company and we are very customer centric, that's the most important thing for us, all the guys on the shop floor all know without our customer we are nothing. That's how it is with us."

Pure Fabs Ltd is a Horwich-based company specialising in ductwork. It manufacturers rectangular ventilation ductwork and ancillary products, including fire resistant and smoke extract ductwork for the HVAC industry. The company's expanding client base ranges from large blue chip clients, including some of the major construction companies, The MOD and other large HVAC suppliers, to more modest sized businesses throughout the UK.

It moved from its Bolton town centre premises to a larger base in Horwich at the beginning of last year while still fulfilling orders.

The company is currently working with its training provider on a bespoke engineering training programme for its workshop team and has brought in an apprentice scheme.

FULL COVERAGE - read the winners' stories

Editor's award - John Carr 

Business of the year - Darts Corner

Businessperson of the year - James Bancroft 

Apprentice of the year - Ellie Entwistle

Employer of the year - ExcluSec 

Manufacturer of the year - Pure Fabs 

Retailer of the year - Market Place 

Family business of the year - HCS 

Innovation award - Bolton College

Customer excellence award- Market Place

Not for profit - Bolton Young Person's  Housing Scheme 

Community award - Bolton Family 

SME business of the year - Handrail creations 

Start up of the year - A Year of Dates