Expanding Telford manufacturer wins enterprise award

Proto Labs on Telford's Halesfield Industrial Estate won its second Queen's Award for Enterprise in three years in April, and has now been handed the prestigious accolade by Algernon Heber-Percy.

The firm, which makes small injection-moulded parts, first won an International Trade Award under the scheme in 2010, but has now been honoured for the second time. It employs 154 people.

Managing director John Tumelty said: "The award is recognition of the success of everyone here and what we have achieved in eight years of operating. For me it is important for us to congratulate the entire workforce on what they do here. The Lord Lieutenant remembered coming here when we were in a factory one sixth the size of the one we are in, and he was amazed at how we have grown."

The firm moved into a new 136,000 sq ft headquarters on Halesfield two years ago, and in June the American parent company reported rocketing revenue with a 24.6 per cent rise to 39.4 million US dollars (£25.1 million).

Its Telford-based European arm also enjoyed a 26.1 per cent revenue increase, to 6.84 millionUS dollars (£4.36 million).

Mr Tumelty added: "We are growing, we are successful, we are innovative, and it's not just us saying that, as it's recognised by significant and senior bodies too.

"We are continuously recruiting as well, so when people turn up for interviews. We want people to want to work here."