Last week, we received some incredible news! Earlier this year, we submitted entries for two prestigious categories of Insider Media’s Made in the Midlands Awards – Manufacturer of the Year and Manufacturing Innovation Award.
To our delight, we have received finalist places for both categories!
The decision to enter these awards followed our strategic restructuring in March 2024, which saw the creation of four distinct divisions: Sales, Hire, Conversions, and Modular Buildings. This realignment enables us to provide specialised support to our clients while driving collaboration and innovation across every aspect of our business.
The awards, celebrating their 15th anniversary this year, recognise the Midlands’ most outstanding and forward-thinking manufacturers. With over 70 companies submitting entries and only a select few making it to the finalist stage, the competition is intense – making our achievement even more significant!
Highlighting Our Engineering Excellence
To earn a place as finalists, we had to demonstrate to the judges exactly what makes S Jones stand out. With an impressive portfolio of projects to choose from, the decision was tough, but one thing was clear – our Conversions Division is at the core of our engineering expertise and innovation.
For our Manufacturer of the Year submission, we showcased not just our overall business success but specifically the achievements of our Conversions Division. This department transforms standard containers into tailored, high-specification containerised solutions for highly-regulated industries, including engineering, energy, education, and healthcare. Recent investments and process improvements – such as standardising workflows, simplifying quoting and refining CAD systems – helped increase efficiency, scale up production, and deliver even greater value to our clients.
Our reputation for engineering excellence has allowed us to build strong partnerships with industry leaders such as Siemens, Coventry University, and Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG). A standout example is our work with WMG, where we have proudly supplied 12 high-specification units for destructive battery testing. These long-term collaborations demonstrate the trust leading organisations place in us to deliver innovative, safety-focused containerised solutions. From battery storage systems and water treatment facilities to server rooms, workshops, and retail spaces, the S Jones Conversions team is equipped to create functional units tailored to exacting specifications.
Innovating Battery Storage and Advocating for Safety
For our second award entry, the Manufacturing Innovation Award, we specifically highlighted our expertise in battery storage container conversions – an area where safety and technical precision are paramount.
A prime example of our innovation is evidenced in our work with WMG, where we designed and built specialist lithium-ion battery cell destructive testing chambers. These highly engineered units are equipped with fire and explosion risk reduction features, hermetically sealed access doors, and gas detection systems to reduce the risk of exposure to toxic gases which may be released during the testing process. This project is just one example of how we are committed to driving innovation while solving complex challenges in the field of battery technology.
As a trusted supplier to several UK universities and automotive R&D organisations, S Jones has established itself as a leading manufacturer of containerised battery storage and testing solutions. We are also actively advocating for formal safety guidance and regulations surrounding battery manufacturing in the UK to be introduced at a national level.
In line with this commitment, we are proud to be hosting a panel-style seminar discussion at the upcoming Fire Safety Event titled ‘Electric Revolution, Safety Evolution: Prioritising Battery Regulations’. Alongside representatives from Electrical Safety First and the Fire Protection Association, we will discuss the need for additional regulations governing the manufacture and storage of batteries in the UK and raise awareness of critical issues.
If you’re interested, it’s not too late to register for your free pass. The event runs from April 8th to 10th at the NEC Birmingham, with our panel discussion taking place on April 9th at 10:15am in the Innovation & Compliance Theatre.
Looking Ahead to an Exciting Day
While the winners of the Made in the Midlands Awards are yet to be announced, one thing is certain – April 9th will be an exciting and busy day for our team!
We will begin the day with our panel discussion at the Fire Safety Event, followed by a black-tie dinner at the Macdonald Burlington Hotel in Birmingham, where the winners will be announced.
Regardless of the outcome, this recognition reflects the hard work, innovation, and dedication of our entire S Jones team. We’re thrilled to celebrate this achievement – and hopefully, we may even take home a trophy!
Stay tuned for updates, and keep your fingers crossed. Good luck, team!
Want to learn more about container conversions and how they could be the perfect solution for you? Contact our Conversions team today to discuss your project requirements and receive tailored advice.
