A DUDLEY manufacturing firm was honoured for the ‘best use of technology’ at the Black Country Chamber of Commerce Awards 2017.

Thomas Dudley, based in Birmingham New Road, received the award for producing castings for a client within an “exceptionally tight” deadline.

When the customer provided a simple sketch, the company’s engineers were able to produce a CAD/CAM design and 3D printed prototype within hours.

Patterns were produced the next day and 24 hours later, the finished castings were manufactured.

Mick Cramphorn, foundry director at Thomas Dudley said: “We’re extremely proud and honoured to receive this prestigious award.

“To be recognised for best use of technology, highlighting our foundry capabilities is significant.

“To turn around a new casting project within days and provide customers with the reassurance of knowing that we can deliver castings in any grade of iron, in any required volumes and at times to suit their manufacturing requirements, within 24 hours from stock is an achievement to be proudly recognised for within the industry.

“I’d like to thank all those involved in the project. Results such as this support the company’s commitment to working with customers as a value-adding, strategic engineering partner.”

More than 400 people attended the annual awards ceremony held at Wolverhampton Racecourse on November 17.

Adrian Wright, president of the chamber, congratulated all of the winners and the sponsors of the awards, which celebrate successful Black Country businesses.

He added: “We have some fantastic businesses in the Black Country and we need to help to raise the profile of the great work they do."