A DEWSBURY firm has joined an elite group of businesses.

Parker Hannifin’s Racor Filter Division Europe, which specialises in engine filtration and fuel delivery, won the EEF North East Region Green and Growth Award in the EEF Future Manufacturing Awards 2012.

The company was recognised for its research and development into ways for engine manufacturers to reduce nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbon and particulate emissions.

The SuperImpactor crankcase ventilator, a high performance emission control system, is the result of this work. It eliminates environmental pollution while maintaining engine performance and is a smaller, lighter and more economical system, with higher efficiencies than its closest rival.

The innovative system has increased business growth in Europe, Middle East and Asia markets by 7% in the last year – with future growth predicted to be more than 20%.

The annual business awards are hosted by EEF, the UK manufacturers’ organisation, and recognise excellence in enterprise, innovation, environmental performance and skills development among UK manufacturers.

Andy Tuscher, EEF regional director for the North, said: “Manufacturing is vital to economic recovery and companies like Parker Hannifin Manufacturing are setting the benchmark for success. They have seized the business opportunities offered by the green agenda and are helping towards the UK’s effort to build a low carbon economy. Congratulations to their entire team on this impressive success.”

The judges praised Parker Hannifin Manufacturing, saying: “Theirs is a clear story of managed innovation that not only addresses the green agenda, but also a commercial one. By managing customer expectations and habits, this company has been successful in taking to market an emissions reducing product that addresses a long-term, global issue.”

Parker Hannifin Manufacturing will go forward to compete against other regional winners from across the UK in EEF’s National Awards final on January 31, 2013, in London.

The SuperImpactor project was part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund.