Mark Box, Managing Director of specialist dispenser designer and manufacturer Rieke Dispensing, has been named among the top three in the SME category of the Institute of Directors (IoD) national Director of the Year UK Finals.

Mr Box was one of two people highly commended in his category at the awards ceremony which took place in London last week, hosted by Michael Portillo with guest of honour Lord Sugar of Clapton.

“This award is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of the entire team at Rieke, and I would like to thank them for their vital contribution to the many successes we have achieved in recent years,” comments Mr Box.  “This is a fitting endorsement of how we have established and enhanced our reputation as an innovative provider of solutions for brand leading companies and products.”

In the past 14 years, Rieke Dispensing has emerged from the management buyout of a predominantly UK-focused business to become a globally recognised specialist dispenser manufacturer with a reputation for innovation in new product development.

Sales have increased by 81% in the past three years, culminating in 2009 being the most successful year in the company’s history.  From an £8m turnover in 2006, Rieke is now on course to become a £30m business by 2012.  

Mark Box was appointed Managing Director in 2001, after five years as Operations Director, during which time he improved operating performance and reduced manufacturing costs by 35%. Since then he has presided over a doubling of sales and profitability following a comprehensive strategic review of the business, which identified four key business areas - pharmaceutical creams, medical scrubs, food and specialised hair care. The company has developed a new range of dispensers to satisfy these requirements and established itself as a partner of choice for companies in these markets.

This focus on new product development has been accompanied by a comprehensive on-going training programme throughout the business, covering technical, engineering, sales and customer service functions.  Rieke has also invested in further automation of its manufacturing operation to improve efficiencies.