A Bridgnorth-based specialist automotive firm, whose clients include Formula 1 Grand Prix teams and Aston Martin, has won a Queen’s Award for industry.

Grainger & Worrall Ltd has landed the prestigious honour for its export achievements. The company sells across Europe, the United States, South America and Asia.

Over the past three years its overseas earnings from worldwide markets have increased two and a half times.

“It’s a fantastic honour. We are delighted,” enthused director James Grainger.

“We are a foundry in the UK selling to all corners of the world, which must be a rarity these days. It is great that a manufacturing company has been recognised. The response we’ve had to this award from our customers around the world has been wonderful.”

The third generation family-run business, which employs nearly 300 at Stanmore, manufactures high quality castings for the automotive, aerospace and defence industries.

It targets the specialist, low-volume, niche and prototype markets and offers a complete casting solution.

Finished components include cylinder head engine blocks and gear boxes for Formula 1 racing teams and every major motorsport series in the world. The company also works with design houses and major manufacturers on components for next-generation engines. The company’s prestigious clients include Bugatti, Bentley and Aston Martin.

Mr Grainger believes the company’s investment in technological expertise, both in terms of people and equipment, is at the core of its success.

“People are critical to our success. We have a good team of people behind us, with strength in depth.”

The company also uses the latest cutting-edge equipment to give itself a technological advantage, with a £300,000 high-precision CT scanner – the only one in the country – heading its state-of-the-art investment programme.