KNUTSFORD-based Packaging Automation has shown it means business.

The company has been named Business of the Year at the 2018 E3 Business Awards at the Macron Stadium in Bolton.

The company, which designs and manufactures tray sealing and pot filling and sealing machinery, faced strong competition from organisations across the north west.

The award was presented by Andrew Dewhurst, managing director of Affilius Group, representing the award sponsor.

The company’s commercial director Sam Ashton said: “We are so proud of our team and our achievements.

“Sometimes it is hard to see how far we have come when we are in the thick of the day to day and focusing so much on finding things to improve, but being recognised by peers in our industry is fantastic.”

Speaking on behalf of 1 Events Media, the host and organiser of the awards, managing director Mubarak Chati said: “The E3 Awards have always been about more than just commercial success; they celebrate the impact that enterprise has on lives and communities across the north west.

“Packaging Automation is a fine example of that enterprising spirit and it’s right that its commitment should be recognised.

“Packaging Automation can be very proud of its achievement. Competition this year was exceptionally fierce; so much so that we felt we had to increase the number of shortlisted candidates in several categories.

“To come away with a win in 2018 meant proving an extraordinary commitment, and that is exactly what Packaging Automation did.”