Staffordshire-based digger giant JCB has been honoured with a top national award for export.

The firm, which has its headquarters in Rocester, has been recognised for its growing success in selling heavy excavators across the globe.

James Hawley, the Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire, visited the site near Uttoxeter to present bosses with the Queen’s Award for Enterprise.

As the Queen’s representative for the county, he handed over the prestigious award in the scheme’s international trade category.

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Staffordshire-based digger giant JCB has been honoured with a top national award for export.

The firm, which has its headquarters in Rocester, has been recognised for its growing success in selling heavy excavators across the globe.

James Hawley, the Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire, visited the site near Uttoxeter to present bosses with the Queen’s Award for Enterprise. As the Queen’s representative for the county, he handed over the prestigious award in the scheme’s international trade category.

He made the presentation in front of JCB Heavy Products’ 500-strong workforce who make tracked and wheeled excavators weighing up to 46 tonnes.

Mr Hawley said the accolade recognised the firm’s substantial growth in overseas sales in existing and new markets.

Exports increased by 87 per cent between 2003 and 2005, with new markets established in the Middle East, Asia Pacific and Eastern Europe.

JCB has now received 18 Queen’s Awards since 1969 – believed to be more than any other company in the UK. It is the second Queen’s Award for JCB Heavy Products.

JCB managing director and chief executive officer John Patterson said: “This is a significant achievement.

“The award is a fitting tribute to all our employees for the part they play in the success of these world-class products and the growing popularity they enjoy. That popularity now stretches all around the globe.

“Looking to the future we are committed to building on this worldwide success.

“Central to our plan of growing this business is a move away from this historic site in Uttoxeter to a purpose-built factory next to the JCB World Parts Centre on the A50. That will enable us to expand an already successful company and bring with it more employment opportunities for Uttoxeter.

“The move rests on gaining planning permission for a high quality development which, in the words of our chairman Sir Anthony Bamford, will leave a legacy for the town of Uttoxeter to be proud of.”

By Wyn Matthews