In a series celebrating the Building Awards finalists, we look at the Manufacturer of the Year
Earlier this year Building announced the names of all the firms that made it onto the shortlists for our prestigious annual Building Awards.
Now we are shining the spotlight on each category in turn and publishing a selection of the images that impressed the judges.
Today’s shortlist is for Manufacturer of the Year.
ARC Building Solutions
ARC Building Solutions, founded in 2008, is dedicated to enhancing the safety and resilience of the built environment through reliable fire protection and insulation products delivered up to five times faster than industry norms. From the outset, its mission has been to provide life-saving solutions with uncompromising service, keeping projects on schedule.
ARC is a pioneer in testing and compliance, becoming the first UK manufacturer of low-rise cavity barriers with third-party certification and continuing to lead with collaborative research.
Recent industry-first corner testing with Leviat verified seamless integration of cavity barriers and masonry support brackets, producing certification that saves engineers time while improving durability. Real-world performance was demonstrated in 2025 when an ARC® masonry party wall system contained a fire on site.
Innovation is central, led by a dedicated R&D team under Dr Alex Boote, delivering solutions such as the TCB Square for timber frame construction and the Retrofit Eaves Insulator to combat damp and mould.
Furthering industry advancement, ARC launched a 33-month knowledge transfer partnership with Leeds Beckett University, developing an AI-driven golden-thread tool to raise installation standards and support regulatory compliance.
Lignacite
For almost 80 years, Lignacite has been a leading name in masonry manufacturing, producing blocks that combine quality, sustainability and customer trust. The company’s legacy is built on innovation and service, with a constant drive to push boundaries and deliver solutions that meet the evolving needs of UK construction.
In response to industry pressures around cost, regulation and sustainability, Lignacite developed the ECO range, which contains up to 70% recycled material and reduces embodied carbon by as much as 70%. This innovation enables architects, developers and contractors to achieve sustainability targets without compromising performance. Supported by accreditations, the range offers assurance of compliance and quality.
Lignacite’s advanced manufacturing facility at Brandon demonstrates this commitment, using renewable energy and energy-efficient machinery to produce precision-engineered products while minimising waste. Customers also benefit from flexible, reliable delivery – even to challenging central London sites – alongside expert advice and responsive support.
Beyond manufacturing, Lignacite invests in the community, raising over £6,000 to date for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices and supporting local clubs and events.
The company continues to build on its reputation for innovation, sustainability and integrity.
Join us for the 2025 edition of the Building Awards
This year’s event will take place at the Grosvenor House Hotel on 4 November.
There are 22 awards being handed out, so make sure you are in the room for construction’s night of nights and to celebrate excellence.
Tickets are selling fast, so secure your place today.
Protec International
Protec International is a UK manufacturing leader in high-performance temporary protection and signage solutions for the construction industry. Based in Sheffield, the company operates a state-of-the-art facility producing its flagship Proplex and ProplexRE sheeting, supported by advanced machinery and in-house reprocessing equipment.
This vertically integrated model gives Protec full control over design, production and logistics, enabling consistent quality, rapid response and reliable supply across the sector. A pioneer in sustainable manufacturing, Protec is the only UK company to operate a full closed-loop recycling system for polypropylene protection sheets.
Used Proplex is collected from sites, then cleaned, shredded and reprocessed into new ProplexRE sheets containing up to 100% post-consumer content, delivering 50% lower embodied carbon. The system feeds directly into production, ensuring measurable sustainability benefits, independently verified through environmental product declarations.
Protec’s in-house design and engineering teams drive innovation, developing tailored solutions such as ProsignRE, a recyclable, low carbon signage product.
With integrated logistics and a commitment to community partnerships, the company combines operational efficiency with local economic value, reinforcing its role as a sustainable UK manufacturer shaping the future of construction protection.
TMJ Interiors
Established in 1981, TMJ Interiors is a tier 1 joinery manufacturer and interior fit-out specialist, recognised for delivering craftsmanship on some of the UK’s most prestigious projects. Based in Suffolk, the company combines quality, innovation and advanced technology with a strong focus on community, sustainability and social responsibility.
Sustainability is central to TMJ’s approach, underpinned by a £1m investment in circular economy initiatives. Innovations include water-based lacquer as standard, bespoke fire-rated options, and sustainable spray finishes for metal and concrete.
The business is also progressing environmental product declarations and embedding design-for-deconstruction to ensure joinery can be dismantled and repurposed.
Operational excellence is supported by digital transformation, including in-house dashboards, apps and 3D point cloud scanning for precise measurement on complex builds.
A 75,000ft² facility, strong supply chain partnerships, and a skilled workforce of long-serving employees reinforce quality and efficiency.
With 95% client retention, new business wins exceeding £20m, and a pipeline of repeat and strategic projects, TMJ Interiors continues to grow responsibly while fostering a culture of wellbeing, engagement and continuous improvement.
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