ILF Limited has been announced as a finalist for the Manufacturer of the Year Award at the 2026 Staffordshire Chambers Business Awards, sponsored by Indurent.

ILF is the only commercial producer of copper bar in the UK, a position secured through the 2024 purchase of a copper extrusion machine that has since driven significant growth in customers, sales and market credibility. Turnover grew from £15.7m in 2024 to £20m in 2025, with £22m projected for 2026, supported by £4.5m of machinery investment over the past three years and expansion into two additional units at its Cannock base.

The business supplies busbars, switchgear components and precision-engineered copper products to the data centre, panel building and electrical sectors, all of which are growing rapidly on the back of AI infrastructure demand. In 12 years of trading, only one member of staff has resigned, a retention record the business attributes to a family management culture and consistent investment in people.

Stuart Elford, Chief Executive of Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, said: “ILF have done something genuinely rare: they have identified a gap in UK manufacturing capability, invested boldly to fill it, and built a business that is now growing strongly on the back of some of the biggest infrastructure trends of our time. The culture they have created alongside that commercial success is equally impressive. They are a deserving finalist and we look forward to celebrating with them in July.”

The winners will be revealed at a gala awards ceremony at Uttoxeter Racecourse on Thursday 9 July 2026, followed by The After Party, a late-night celebration for finalists, winners and partners.

To find out more about the 2026 Staffordshire Chambers Business Awards, visit staffordshirechambers.co.uk/awards.