Deeside building products manufacturer wins Queen’s award for international trade

Ancon Building Products manufacturing site in Deeside hosted a special ceremony last week as the company officially received the Queen’s award for International Trade.

The award – the companies second Queens award, recognises Ancon’s ‘outstanding success’ in growing sales across new and existing export markets.

It follows the company’s previous Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation.

The prestigious award, the highest accolade that any UK business can achieve for export growth, was presented to Ancon by the Lord Lieutenant of Clwyd, Mr Henry George Fetherstonhaugh OBE, on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen.
The ceremony at the Deeside facility, the largest Wall Tie manufacturing operation in the UK, was attended by 36 employees.

Longest serving employee at the Deeside site, Lynn Forster accepts the Queen’s Award crystal bowl on behalf of Ancon. Image: Ancon.co.uk

Ancon has operated production facilities in North Wales since 1983. The Lord Lieutenant met several employees as he toured the site on Deeside Industrial Park, where the company has been based since 2008 when they outgrew previous sites in Flint and Greenfield.

The Lord Lieutenant said,

“Ancon represents the very best of British innovation and technology, and this dynamic company, which has trebled its exports in the last ten years, has led the way in its field.”

“To win one award is pretty spectacular; to win two awards in three years is absolutely amazing.”

“It is very gratifying to present this award here in Deeside, where Ancon provides 92 much needed jobs and I wish the company every continued success in the future.”

The Lord Lieutenant receives a tour of the Deeside manufacturing facility from Stuart Maxwell, Managing Director and Pete McDermott, Operations Director

Speaking after the ceremony, Managing Director, Stuart Maxwell said,

“It’s another very proud day for the Ancon business. We now hold Queen’s Awards for both Innovation and International Trade, confirming that we are successfully combining the development of market-specific solutions with effective worldwide distribution strategies.

“Our outstanding achievements over the last few years are down to the knowledge, hard work and commitment of our employees, as well as our distributors around the world. My sincere thanks and congratulations go out to everyone.”