A CUMBRIAN business leader has been named in a prestigious list of top manufacturers.

Shiby Bernard, chief operations officer of McMenon Engineering Services, has been named in The Manufacturer’s Top 100 list of the most dynamic leaders and innovators in manufacturing for 2020.

The Manufacturer magazine has named its top 100 business leaders for seven years in partnership with Cranfield University.

Since taking over the role of the chief operating officer in 2018, after McMenon acquired the Workington-based business with a 70-year manufacturing heritage from multinational ABB, Shiby has successfully led the transition from a large corporate firm to an SME.

Chief operating officer Shiby is said to have contributed to McMenon’s growth through implementing lean manufacturing, product development and QHSE certification initiatives.

She is hailed as having a visionary commitment to inspiring the next generation of manufacturers and has prioritised people development, apprenticeship programmes, championed equality and fostered a sense of community in the workplace.

Shiby said: “I am incredibly proud to be included in the Top 100 cohort for 2020. To be listed alongside the best of UK manufacturing talent in less than three years of me taking is an enormous honour and the result of not only my own hard work but that of the whole team at McMenon.

“The timing of this award couldn’t be better considering the pandemic and the challenges owing to it, especially for the manufacturing sector.

“This recognition has increased my resolve and desire to strengthen the business and support the continued growth of McMenon and our people.”

Nick Peters, editorial director of The Manufacturer Top 100 report, said it is "an extremely prestigious annual review of the very best individuals within the wide-ranging manufacturing sector. He said: “It is hugely important and influential and plays a vital role in elevating the understanding of manufacturing amongst the wider community”.

McMenon aims to be the premier manufacturer of flow and temperature measurement instrumentation and “the trusted partner of choice for complete contract engineering and manufacturing services”.