A Gwent-based electronics firm, which has doubled in size and plugged into a powerful pipeline of university talent over recent years, has been named as the top manufacturer in its sector at an international awards ceremony.

Axiom Manufacturing Services, based in Newbridge, was named 2015 Manufacturer of the Year in the Elektra European Electronics Industry Awards, announced to the industry’s biggest gathering of the year in London.

In recognition of the company’s strong investment, sales growth and job creation over the past five years, contract electronics manufacturer Axiom was chosen by judges for the top honour from among firms from all over Europe.

The Elektra Awards, which are in their 13th year, are organised by Electronics Weekly Magazine to celebrate the achievements of companies that make, develop, design and distribute electronics products in the EU and beyond.

In awarding the Manufacturer of the Year title, judges noted that Axiom had seen sales increase by 98 per cent over five years and in the past 12 months had invested over £1m to double the size of its product and test development teams. Judges said they were particularly impressed by the company’s strong advocacy of undergraduate placement from the University of South Wales.

Axiom’s growth over the past five years has been four times the industry average with turnover this year reaching £35 million and workforce numbers increasing 25 per cent to more than 300. The company’s growth over the past decade has made it one of Britain’s leading contract electronics manufacturers serving industrial, medical, defence and aerospace markets.

Investment – both in processes and people – has driven much of this growth.

In the past year, Axiom has invested £1m in state-of-the-art equipment, doubling its product and test development teams working across five new product areas.

The company also remains committed to taking on two new apprenticeships annually, and continuing its undergraduate industry placement partnership with the University of South Wales, which enables aspiring engineers to work at Axiom for a year between studies.

David Davies, managing director of Axiom, said: “We benchmark ourselves against the best international competitors so winning this award shows that Welsh firms can reach the highest standards in the industry. We have a very talented and motivated team and an ambitious business strategy so we look forward to continued growth and success.”

“Any award is recognition that you are a leader in your industry, but to win an Elektra Award is an incredible achievement, and one of the best possible endorsements that we are a leading player in our field.”