Gates Power Transmission Dumfries plant (right) opened in 1989 together with a Balsareny, Spain facility  and a JV in South Korea, manufactures synchronous timing belts and components for both the automotive and industrial markets. It and is no newcomer to awards.
In  2005 the Dumfries  facility received one from UK Enterprise Minister Nicol Stephen for export achievement to some of the most prestigious names in the motorbike world.

Part of a global UK-owned operation, Gates' Dumfries plant employs over 400 and manufactures both rubber and polyurethane power transmission belts, exporting over 70% of its products to more than 20 markets worldwide. By continuously investing and diversifying, Gates' Dumfries has a research and development centre generating a stream of innovative products for its factories around the world.

The company at that time had invested £6m in new processes to produce belt drives for some of the most famous names in the motorbike world, including Harley Davidson and Yamaha. Major markets range from France and Germany, to Korea, Singapore and India, for both automotive and industrial applications."

 Power Transmission Materials Flow manager, Douglas Learmont said at that time: "This award underlines the ability of companies in Scotland to compete on the world stage, by offering excellence in products and services through embracing and implementing lean and agile manufacturing techniques and principles."

Plexus Kelso would probably agree with that statement. It was the winner in the Supply Chain category for its unique supply chain modelling solutions which drive world-class on-time delivery performance.

In addition, it was highly commended in the Innovation category for its achievements in the area of process development and continuous improvement utilising a Lean Sigma philosophy.

Willie MacKinnon, UK  MD said  “Our people are our key differentiators. These awards represent a true testament of their pride in delivering world-class service offerings to our customers as we continue our vision to be the best EMS company in the world in the mid-to-low volume, higher mix segment of the market.”

Sources:http://www.worksmanagement.co.uk/
http://www.manufacturingtalk.com