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Two leaders in the Northern Ireland manufacturing sector operating locally have been honoured for their commitment to the sector at the Manufacturing NI Hall of Fame Awards on 29 May. Patricia Clements, Managing Director of Bradfor Ltd. and Brian McConville CBE, Chair of MJM Group/Rathbane Group were inducted into the Manufacturing NI Hall of Fame along with Joanne Liddle, Managing Director of IPC Mouldings in recognition of their significant contributions to manufacturing in Northern Ireland.
First launched in 2022 as part of Manufacturing Month, the Manufacturing NI Hall of Fame Awards recognise individuals who have started or grown a Northern Irish manufacturing business significantly and sustainably, enhancing not only the region’s manufacturing reputation through product and sectoral development, but also by being highly respected by their peers, adding to the communities in which their businesses operate, and supporting community initiatives and causes.
Brian McConville CBE established MJM Marine in Newry in 1983, and the company has evolved into a global marine outfitting specialist. In its Northern Ireland headquarters, the company combines traditional craftsmanship with the latest technology to create bespoke joinery and outfitting solutions. Brian is Chair of both MJM Marine and the Rathbane Group, a leading expert in the construction of high end and complex projects, which comprises MJM Marine, Mivan, Topglass, Rathbane Holdings, and NTS.
McConville said: "I’m honoured to be inducted into the Manufacturing NI Hall of Fame. This recognition reflects the hard work and dedication of our teams across The Rathbane Group. I’m proud of what we’ve built and look forward to seeing the next generation carry it forward, growing world-class businesses from right here in Northern Ireland.”
Patricia Clements is the founder and Managing Director of Bradfor Ltd, based in Rostrevor. Responsible for running all facets of Bradfor’s textile business for the last 29 years, she has developed an outstanding reputation as a key supplier for leading OEMs in the aerospace and medical seating industry.
Clements said: "I am deeply honoured to be inducted into the Manufacturing NI Hall of Fame. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire Bradfor team. Our journey in the aerospace and medical seating industries has been challenging yet very rewarding, and I am proud of the many textile solutions we have brought to our clients locally and across the globe."
Stephen Kelly, CEO, Manufacturing NI, said: “There is no better way to bring the curtain down on another successful Manufacturing Month than by honouring the giants of industry who continue to pave the way today. Patricia, Joanne, and Brian are all familiar faces to those of us in the industry who have had outsized and outstanding impacts in their relevant sectors, their local economies and further afield.
“Manufacturing Month exists to celebrate people like Patricia, Joanne, and Brian. The sector is nothing without its makers and for us to recognise them in this way is the least we can do. When we talk about the impressive stats the sector posts in Northern Ireland – from share of economic output to share of employment – these are the people behind those stats. For the next generation of makers, theirs is the example to follow.”
