THE biggest smile of the night belonged to Pete Connor, director of Pure Fabs Ltd.
The firm won this year's Manufacturer of the Year Award, sponsored by MBDA.
Pete said: "Manufacturing is on the up, we were up against two other really great finalists.
"We read through their briefs and thought we did not stand a chance. This is amazing it is our first time here, and so to actually win, we came and none of us came here tonight thinking we would win.
"We were hear to spend time with other businesses tonight, Bolton is just a fantastic place to be, we are just made up."
He added: "Obviously the judges saw something a little bit different in us.
"We are a very forward thinking company and we are very customer centric, that's the most important thing for us, all the guys on the shop floor all know without our customer we are nothing. That's how it is with us."
Pure Fabs Ltd is a Horwich-based company specialising in ductwork. It manufacturers rectangular ventilation ductwork and ancillary products, including fire resistant and smoke extract ductwork for the HVAC industry. The company's expanding client base ranges from large blue chip clients, including some of the major construction companies, The MOD and other large HVAC suppliers, to more modest sized businesses throughout the UK.
It moved from its Bolton town centre premises to a larger base in Horwich at the beginning of last year while still fulfilling orders.
The company is currently working with its training provider on a bespoke engineering training programme for its workshop team and has brought in an apprentice scheme.
FULL COVERAGE - read the winners' stories
Business of the year - Darts Corner
Businessperson of the year - James Bancroft
Apprentice of the year - Ellie Entwistle
Employer of the year - ExcluSec
Manufacturer of the year - Pure Fabs
Retailer of the year - Market Place
Family business of the year - HCS
Innovation award - Bolton College
Customer excellence award- Market Place
Not for profit - Bolton Young Person's Housing Scheme
Community award - Bolton Family
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here