Image courtesy Donite Plastics
 
An independent panel of expert judges assessed all entries to the awards, and it was Donite Plastic’s innovation that stood out and impressed the panel.  In particular, it was the company’s partnership with the Northern Ireland Technology Centre at Queen’s University to undertake a pioneering project that introduced smart technology into the aircraft interiors assembly process leading to the creation of additional jobs at Donite that clinched the winning spot for the company. 

 
With the UK currently responsible for 7% of the world's air cabin interiors market and 50% of the UK output coming from Northern Ireland, Donite Plastics has been supporting customers in the aerospace sector for over 15 years.  This project, awarded by the National Aerospace Technology Exploitation Programme (NATEP), and co-funded by Innovate UK and the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI), developed a robotic automated assembly cell for advanced Thermoformed Twin Skin Panels (TTSP) for aircraft seating systems.
 
Aircraft interiors and in particular aircraft seating, incorporates many variations of access panels, with the traditional designs generally assembled using conventional techniques. The cutting-edge technology that has been developed through this initiative creates a human and machine collaborative environment that will see improved efficiency for both Donite Plastics and its aerospace customers, with a reduction in assembly time and increased part quality. 
 
This pioneering product and process which can be developed further going forward, builds upon Donite Plastics’ founder Michael Knight’s initial ethos of entrepreneurship and finding engineering solutions to problems through the vacuum forming process and automation.
 
Patrick Knight, Engineering and R&D Manager said: “We were delighted to win Manufacturer of the Year at the Insider Made in NI awards.  This accolade not only recognises Donite Plastics’ commitment to innovation and development but the continued drive of our team to deliver best practice and best products for our customers. The quality of entries this year was a real testament to the excellent standards of the manufacturing sector in Northern Ireland so to win this prestigious category has given us a real boost.”
 
By adopting new technologies and pioneering in the thermoforming sector, Donite Plastics has earned a coveted international reputation as a centre for excellence in its field, with highly skilled staff delivering a breadth of capabilities.  
 
The company’s Business Development Manager Stephen Kissick commented: “We have been servicing the manufacturing sector for over forty years and in that time Donite Plastics has continually evolved and invested in our capabilities and staff to ensure we meet our customers’ expectations.  We specialise in high-quality batch production and continuous innovation. In addition to our NATEP project, over the past five years we have undertaken a comprehensive machinery modernisation plan, recently achieving a 100% increase in manufacturing capacity. 
 
“Our goal is to lead the industry in technological advancement to ensure exceptional efficiency, precision, and quality across all projects.  It was brilliant that our hard work has been rewarded with the Manufacturer of the Year award.”
 
Donite Plastics plays a pivotal role in the growth of the UK’s aerospace sector, and as a forerunner of lightweight technology, has the ability to produce thermoformed parts and complex assemblies for leading aerospace manufacturing companies across the globe.   The company supplies a wide range of sectors in addition to aerospace including agri-tech, material and handling, automotive, renewable energies, bus and coach sector, medical and film and television.
 
The Insider Made in Northern Ireland awards recognise the quality products and services that manufacturing and engineering companies from across NI supply and the skilled people that work for them.  As a regional winner, Donite Plastics automatically goes through to the Insider Made in the UK grand final where the best of British manufacturing will be celebrated in June 2025.