A commitment to automation, growth and helping engage the next generation of engineers has seen PP Electrical’s Managing Director named as one of industry’s most influential figures.
Tony Hague has been selected to feature in The Manufacturer’s first ever Top 100 Report, which is designed to raise the profile of the sector by showcasing the achievements and views of some of its leading personalities.
It’s a major honour for the electrical engineer, who joins a string of influential individuals on the list, including Lord Anthony Bamford, Dr Ralph Speth, Emma Bridgewater and James Dyson.
“I’m a little bit surprised to be honest, especially when you consider some of the names in the report,” explained Tony.
“Anything that boosts manufacturing and gets more people interested in some of the excellent work we do is very welcome and I’m looking forward to taking part in even more activities and speaking roles.”
He continued: “I’m particularly interested in tackling the skills shortage. We can’t wait for the Government to come up with the solution on its own…companies have to act and look at innovative ways of reaching out to schools, colleges and universities.
“We’ve got an excellent story to tell of innovation, technology, world leading applications…let’s start telling it.”
Tony left school at 16 to serve an apprenticeship for a sensor and instrumentation manufacturer and this started a 30-year love affair with industry.
After serving a number of different positions he joined PP Electrical Systems in 2001 as Commercial Director, quickly being promoted to Managing Director three years later.
In the decade that followed, Tony has transformed the Cheslyn Hay-based firm into a world class provider of controls and automation systems, supplying 12 of the globe’s leading machinery manufacturers.
This has seen the company achieve 400% growth to £18m annual sales and led to 7 Best Factory Awards and recognition with Manufacturing Excellence. The future vision is to double revenue by 2019.
Tony, a member of The Manufacturer’s Editorial Panel, is also the current Chairman of the Midlands Assembly Network (MAN), a unique collective of 10 manufacturers who work together to win new contracts at home and abroad.
A number of changes have been made under his leadership, including the appointment of a dedicated business development manager, a new website and creation of a strategic partnership with Warwick Manufacturing Group.
