JCB's Buta Atwal receives the honours from HM Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire Ian Dudson

JCB Compact Products in Cheadle, Staffs has won a Queen's Award for International Trade for increasing exports by more than 25% over three years.  

Production was halted for around 15 minutes as the whole workforce of more than 500 people watched the award being presented by HM Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire Ian Dudson.

Making the presentation, Dudson said JCB continues to build on the great traditions of manufacturing in Staffordshire and to set new standards of excellence in all aspects of their businesses. "We congratulate JCB Compact Products on its Queen's Award and we share in the delight and pride of everybody who is associated with the company. Most importantly, we continue to thank JCB for the immense contribution the company makes to this county's economy, to our reputation and to our communities, in so many different ways."
 
JCB Compact Products MD Buta Atwal says the award comes at a very exciting time for JCB Compact Products, after the introduction of "some great new products which are proving very popular in world markets".

The award helped JCB cement its position as the UK record holder of Queen's Awards - winning a total of 30 since its first in 1969.  

JCB won three Queen's Awards this year; the other two, one for international trade and the other for innovation, were presented to Derbyshire engine producer JCB Power Systems earlier this year.