Eschmann Equipment has won a national manufacturing award for the processes by which it fulfilled a major contract to supply operating tables to Iraq.

The Sussex medical equipment company received the Innovative Working Practices Award at the first national EEF Future Manufacturing awards.

Eschmann's award recognised the radical approach taken by the company in order to fulfil an export order for 300 operating tables, needed in the rebuilding of Iraq's hospitals. Eschmann was able to deliver the order two months ahead of schedule, meeting all the demanding specification and logistical challenges.

Philip Kennedy, Managing Director of Eschmann, said: "By innovating across our entire business, we have been able to expand the scope of our operations to deliver one of the largest contracts in the firm's history and set a new platform for future growth. This has been an enormous team effort and we are delighted to have received this recognition for our work."

The EEF awards recognise world-class performance in four categories: innovation, enterprise, environmental responsibility and skills development. The Chair of the Judging Panel, Prof Stephen Evans, commented: "Eschmann not only delivered the order but re-engineered the company along the way. The deal has left an impressive legacy for future growth."

Based in Lancing, West Sussex, Eschmann designs and manufactures equipment for operating theatres and other healthcare environments, including operating tables, lighting systems, surgical suction units and electrosurgery units.

EEF is a manufacturers' organisation that provides companies with business services, government representation and industry intelligence. Around a quarter of the UK's manufacturing businesses are EEF members.