The Queen’s Award for International Trade has been awarded to two UK vehicle manufacturers. Leyland Trucks and the Sunderland plant of Nissan have been given the award for 2009, which is made by HM The Queen on the recommendation of the Prime Minister.
Leyland Trucks is the UK‘s only volume truck maker and has a world-class record for efficiency and innovation. Its exports, more than doubled in the last three years, now account for 40% of output, with sales to 44 markets world-wide. The firm recently received £300,000 of funding through The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA). Leyland is contributing an additional £200,000 to support the new training scheme for its engineers and technicians.
Nissan’s Sunderland plant is recognised for increasing overseas revenues by 51% over three years and selling more than 80% of its production abroad. Recently the workers at Nissan’s plant in Sunderland were introduced to the Qazana. The new car was devised at Nissan Design Europe in London and engineered in Cranfield, Bedfordshire. With spending of £57 million to bring the model to Sunderland, Nissan has increased its UK investment to £2.5 billion and safeguarded 1,000 British jobs.
“We are delighted that Nissan and Leyland Trucks’ success have won this important recognition. Despite the economic downturn, British manufacturing continues to move forward with innovation and opportunity,” said Paul Everitt chief executive at the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
SMMT member company, Bearmach Ltd based in Wales and regular exhibitor with SMMT’s International Department has been awarded the Queen’s International Award.
