ROMFORD - Stephen Harrison, the managing director of UK-based wipes manufacturer Harrisons, has been named in ‘The Manufacturer Top 100 for 2025’, recognising his transformative leadership and continued contributions to UK manufacturing.

Recognised in the top 20 of the ‘Inspiring Leader’ category, the award recognises Harrison’s leadership and continued contributions to UK manufacturing and cleaning industry.

The recognition comes during a milestone year for Harrison Wipes, which has seen the business make major strategic advances across operations, sustainability, and market expansion.

Highlights from the past 12 months include the acquisition of Ecotech (Europe) Ltd, marking Harrison Wipes’ entry into wet wipe manufacturing for the first time in its 134-year history; and the launch of the ‘Industrial Range’, developed to support industry with high performance nonwoven wiping.

The company has also embarked on a third-party logistics partnership with Magnum Logistics, significantly improving stockholding capacity (up to 10,000 pallet spaces) and environmental credentials through a BREEAM-certified facility featuring solar power and rainwater harvesting systems.

Elsewhere, Harrison has driven major progress on environmental initiatives. The company is now Planet Mark certified, has switched to 100% renewable electricity at its Romford site and in recent years reduced plastic packaging by one-third whilst cutting material waste by 45%.

Looking ahead, Harrisons will continue to expand under the current leadership, with plans to install a new high-capacity production line and grow the team - further strengthening the company’s efforts to set the standard in wiping.

Commenting on the award, Stephen said: “I’m very proud to be named in The Manufacturer Top 100, but any achievement I have is the achievement of the team around me. Right now, we have the strongest team we have ever had in the business in my time, across each discipline.”