Vector International was yesterday (Thursday 16 September) presented with a Queen’s Award for Enterprise by Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of West Glamorgan, Commodore Robert Hastie CBE RD* RNR, as The Queen’s representative, at its office premises in Baglan Industrial Park, Port Talbot.

Vector is one of 66 companies across the UK to receive a Queen’s Award for Enterprise 2004 in the International Trade category, from among 280 applicants, and is one of only three to receive the award in this category in Wales. (Six companies in Wales have been granted the award this year across the three categories – International Trade, Innovation and Sustainable Development).

Vector was granted the prestigious Queen’s Award in recognition of its continuous achievement in international trade, resulting in substantial overseas earnings with growth and commercial success, sustained over at least six years. To gain the award Vector had to demonstrate that the levels it has achieved are outstanding for its products and services and for the size of its operation.

The company, which employs some 120 people, is renowned for its compact connection and sealing technology in piping, vessel and pressure containment applications which it supplies to the oil and gas industry on and offshore, as well as the nuclear, processing, chemical, mining and aerospace industries.

Some 65% of Vector’s sales are into international markets in up to 40 countries (40% into Europe, 27% into North America, 19% into the Middle East and 14% into the Asia Pacific region), representing a 45% growth in overseas sales from six years previously, 1997, when international sales represented some 20% of the company’s business. These sales represent a turnover of some £5.8 million today – a considerable and sustained growth from the £1 million six years ago, and £1.8 million three years ago.

Vector celebrated the presentation of the award with an official presentation ceremony, and speeches by the Lord Lieutenant of West Glamorgan Commodore Robert Hastie, Vector chairman Marco Fabbri, and the Minister for Economic Development and Transport Andrew Davies, followed by a luncheon. The event was attended by employees and senior management, as well as VIP guests including the Minister for Economic Development and Transport, Mayor, Mayoress, Leader of the Neath Port Talbot Borough Council, and Chief Executive of the Chamber of Commerce.

The company now flies a Queen’s Award flag at the premises, and will be using the Queen’s Award emblem on their stationery and company literature during the five year period for which the award is held.