KAB Seating Named Finalist in the Institution of Mechanical Engineer's Manufacturing Excellence (ImechE) Awards.

We are pleased to announce that the UK division of KAB Seating Limited (a wholly-owned CVG company), was named as a finalist in the Institution of Mechanical Engineers’ Manufacturing Excellence (IMechE) Awards.

 KAB Seating is the global market leader in the design, manufacture and supply of seats for heavy-construction vehicles.  KAB Seating also provides seats for agricultural tractors, forklifts, trucks, buses and high-quality office seating on a global basis.

 Manufacturing Excellence assessors and moderators visited the KAB Seating plant in Northampton, after which the Company was short-listed for the Innovation in Products and Processes award.  Manufacturing Excellence, administrated by IMechE, is the most successful and long established manufacturing support program in the UK, and the only one that provides a detailed benchmarking and assessment processes to help improve innovative and manufacturing businesses.

 KAB Seating became a finalist in the Product Innovation and Processes category based on a range of technical innovations it has developed, which include sustainable advances in the areas of new materials, comfort and safety.  The IMechE judging panel’s particular interest was the design and development of KAB’s new, lightweight Blast Seat to protect troops within armored vehicles from Improvised Explosive Devices.  The panel of judges was so impressed with the design of the Blast Seat that they wanted it to be “accelerated into production as soon as possible.”

 Philippa Oldham, Head of Manufacturing at IMechE stated, “KAB Seating is a great business which is helping to keep innovation and manufacturing at the heart of the Northampton (UK) economy.  The Manufacturing Excellence program is not just about celebrating innovation and manufacturing success around the country, but about providing practical advice for businesses to help them improve and excel even further.”

 David Hale, Sales & Marketing Director for KAB Seating, stated, “We are very pleased to have been nominated for this award and delighted to have reached the finals.  It is important recognition of KAB Seating’s position as an innovator in the commercial-vehicle seating industry.  It is also an excellent testament to the expertise and capabilities of our employees and staff.  As a result of our positive experience and learning from the IMechE Programme, KAB Seating is looking to submit entries in four categories for the 2013 Awards.”

 The Awards Ceremony was hosted by former United Kingdom Conservative Cabinet Minister Michael Portillo on November 27, and the main Speaker was The Right Honourable Michael Fallon MP.  KAB Seating was supported on the evening of the event by their local Member of Parliament, The Right Honourable Michael Ellis MP, who is currently assisting the Company with introductions to key business and diplomatic communities.