The 2015 Cyril Johnson Memorial Award has been given to Bill Neal of Roemheld UK, in recognition of his achievements and dedication to both the company and the engineering industry as a whole.

The award is presented to an individual who, through their commitment to the precision engineering sector, has driven their company forward and helped to add economic value and skills to British industry.

A delighted Bill said: “The award came as a fantastic surprise and I was very proud to receive it. As I look back at the 48 years plus that I have been in the sector at Alfred Herberts, Sandvik Cormorant and Roemheld (UK), I have seen some incredible changes.

“Technology has moved on considerably from the days when we were making 2D Capstans by hand. Although I retired at the end of 2015, I am excited to see what the future holds for manufacturing and long may this sector continue to flourish in the UK.”

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Bill Neal (left) receiving the Cyril Johnson Memorial Award from John Wilkinson, Craftsman Tools Commercial Manager.

The Cyril Johnson Memorial Award has been established in recognition of the outstanding contribution made by the late Cyril Johnson to the precision engineering industry.

Cyril was a founding partner of Craftsman Tools in 1953 and led the company for more than forty years. During that time he also contributed greatly to the sector and the GTMA.

Under his guidance, the company grew substantially and has been at the forefront of work and toolholding technology throughout its almost 60-year history.