Made in the Midlands member recognised in Queen’s Awards for Enterprise

By Made in the Midlands News
schedule24th Apr 18
Made in the Midlands member Fortress Interlocks is celebrating after being named as one of the recipients of this year’s Queen’s Award for Enterprise.

The Wolverhampton company, which designs and manufactures safety systems to protect people and equipment in the industrial workplace, has been recognised in the International Trade category.

It is the company’s third such award, having received the award for Innovation in 2007 and International Trade in 2008.

The company has enjoyed outstanding short term growth in overseas sales over the last three years. It exports to markets in Europe, the Americas and the Asia/Pacific region.

In all, it has seen a 55 per cent increase in overseas sales, from £11.7 million to £18.2 million. Its export business now accounts for than 80 per cent of its entire sales.

The company said it took pride in its products and the award was testament to the hard work of the entire workforce.

Jason Pitt, chief executive officer of Made in the Midlands, said: “This is a fantastic achievement by Fortress Interlocks and on behalf of Made in the Midlands I offer my sincere congratulations to the business.

“It is doubly pleasing because it also shines a spotlight on Made in the Midlands and illustrates the amazing range of talent we have in our membership.

“Lockmaking is historically one of Wolverhampton’s best-known industries so it’s encouraging to see that it remains relevant today and that companies such as Fortress Interlocks are helping to keep alive the area’s heritage, while maintaining its relevance.”

The company was one of 230 recognised in this year’s awards.

Business Secretary Greg Clark said: “The UK has some of the most entrepreneurial and innovative minds in the world delivering jobs, growth and greater choice for consumers and I am proud to see a wealth of these businesses being recognised.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy – 99% of UK firms are small and over 1,000 new businesses start every day. Through our Industrial Strategy we are building a Britain in which they will continue to thrive.”



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