Teepee Electrical boss named in Manufacturing’s Top 100

A Black Country engineering star has been named as one of the most influential industry professionals in the UK.

Steve Clarke, who has been running Teepee Electrical in Bloxwich for nearly 20 years, was named in The Manufacturer’s Top 100 earlier this week, a national award that is designed to showcase the innovators, leaders, and rising stars in the sector.

The former engineering apprentice received the accolade last night in front of 200 people at the NEC in Birmingham, with judges praising the way he has led the cable harness, wiring looms and panel assemblies specialist to £3m in sales and a second production facility in Aldridge.

Under Steve’s astute leadership, the company has diversified from supplying niche complex projects to offering medium and high-volume supply, also delivering cable assemblies to second-tier UK automotive companies and direct to the OEMs for the first time.

This has bolstered existing business with the rail sector, electric vehicles, coach and bus and vehicle converters, such as ambulances, police cars and fire engines.

“I’m very flattered to be named as one of the Top 100 manufacturing professionals in the UK, especially considering the amazing talent and business leaders that were present,” explained Steve, who took over Teepee Electrical from his father in 2004.

“This award is all about my amazing team. You are only as good as the people in your business, and we have some of the very best and this is helping us grow and take advantage of new opportunities in the automotive and electrification sectors.”

He continued: “We are also very passionate about the expertise we have in Black Country manufacturing and I’m planning to use this title and the profile to showcase the region’s industrial capabilities.”

Steve’s management style is very much leading by example, and this has created a strong culture of teamwork within its 52-strong workforce, many of whom have been with the business for 20 years.

In fact, one of its eldest members of staff is Vic Sutton, a 90-year-old expert calibration engineer who loves Teepee Electrical so much, he is still doing three days per week on the shopfloor.

As well as investment in technology, the company is also committed to supporting staff with personal development opportunities and special ‘Thank Yous’, none more evident than when everyone of its 20-strong female workforce received flowers on International Women’s Day and the introduction of TPCT – Teepee Chippie Thursday for the whole team.

About The Manufacturer Top 100

 The Manufacturer Top 100, which is in its 10^th year, celebrates the heroes of UK manufacturing and recognises their contribution to Net Zero, Digital Transformation, Innovation and Leadership.

It shines a spotlight on Unsung Heroes, Sector Activists and the Young Pioneers making an impact in the industry disproportionate to their years.