We are absolutely delighted to announce that Philtronics has won not one, but TWO prestigious regional awards at the Make UK Manufacturing Awards 2025 for Wales! Make UK, who are are a powerful voice for manufacturers, champion UK manufacturing - and it’s drive for innovation, growth, and resilience through their expert support and bold advocacy.
On Thursday 6th November 2025, at the awards dinner held at the Vale Resort, Philtronics was crowned:
- Developing Future Talent – Wales Winner 2025
- SME of the Region – Wales Winner 2025
This incredible double win recognises the dedication, innovation and community spirit that every single member of the Philtronics team demonstrates every day.
Developing Future Talent
In a region that has faced significant economic challenges, they set out to build a sustainable pipeline of skilled people while inspiring the next generation to choose careers in manufacturing and engineering.
Through the Philtronics Academy, their apprenticeship partnerships with Merthyr College, Coleg y Cymoedd and the University of South Wales (Network75), digital upskilling of 100% of our workforce, and extensive school outreach, they have:
- Nurtured 7 apprentices since 2021 (with several winning “Apprentice of the Year”)
- Fully trained all 85 staff on digital manufacturing tools
- Engaged over 120 local students through careers events and work experience
- Supported mental health and wellbeing programmes that have reached almost 2,800 disadvantaged young people
These efforts not only future-proof their business but actively contribute to the economic regeneration of the Heads of the Valleys area they are proud to call home.
SME of the Region
From a 500 sq ft start-up in 2003 to a 25,000 sq ft advanced contract electronics manufacturer today, their journey is one of ambition, resilience and a refusal to accept that high-tech manufacturing can’t thrive in the South Wales Valleys.
The judges recognised:
- Their strategic £120k investment in digitalisation and workforce capability
- Achieving a genuine 50/50 gender balance in a traditionally male-dominated sector
- Receiving the global KLA Distinguished Supplier Special Contribution Award (one of only 12 suppliers worldwide)
- Their deep-rooted community partnerships that have delivered award-winning wellbeing programmes and life-changing opportunities for local young people
CEO Simon Pritchard commented: “These awards belong to every single person at Philtronics – past and present. We started this company with a simple belief: that world-class manufacturing and genuine social impact can, and should, go hand-in-hand. To be recognised as both the best at developing future talent and the leading SME in Wales is humbling and incredibly motivating.”
CFO Anne Pritchard added:
“We are living proof that investing in people, embracing digital technology and staying rooted in your community creates a winning formula – not just for awards, but for long-term, sustainable success.”
A huge thank you to Make UK, to all their partners (especially Merthyr College, Aspire Shared Apprenticeship Programme, Coleg y Cymoedd, University of South Wales, Action for Children, Ospreys in the Community, Great Days Golf and KLA), and most importantly to the amazing Philtronics team who make everything they do possible.
Here’s to the next chapter – growing stronger, together.
They are beyond excited to now represent Wales in both the Developing Future Talent and SME of the Year categories at the Make UK National Manufacturing Awards Gala on 29th January 2026 at Madame Tussauds, London. They can’t wait to celebrate with the very best of UK manufacturing!
See the full list of Wales winners here:
Make UK Regional Winners – Wales 2025
Read the full story in Business News Wales:
Business News Wales – Make UK Awards 2025 Wales Winners
