WORKERS at a Huddersfield soft drinks plant have scooped two top prizes in the Food Manufacturing Excellence Awards 2012.

Britvic’s Birkby factory, which manufactures Juicy Drench and Pennine Springwater, led judges to crown the firm Beverage Company of the Year 2012 – thanks to a joint nomination with Britvic’s factory in Leeds.

The two factories received further praise by winning Training Programme of the Year 2012.

The Food Manufacturing Excellence Awards provide a benchmark for those wishing to aspire to world class standards in food excellence. The awards are dedicated to recognising and rewarding the very best food and drink manufacturing companies.

The judging panel, led by Paul Wilkinson who chairs Improve, the food and drink sector skills council, said: “Britvic Soft Drinks’ factories in Leeds and Huddersfield haven’t just talked about continuous improvement, they have lived it.

“Britvic has shown excellent results in terms of downtime reduction, energy savings and water usage, together with good quality assurance results.

“They have also empowered shop floor staff and encouraged them to take control of their working environment to raise efficiency.

“Britvic has introduced a truly excellent series of educational programmes.”

Clive Hooper, operations director at Britvic Soft Drinks said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to see the hard work in both Huddersfield and Leeds pay off in terms of the recognition Britvic received at the Food Manufacturing Awards.

“The employees at both locations work hard and are committed to ensuring efficiency and great results. We’re so pleased that they have now received the praise they’re due.”