Welshpool firm wins Queen’s Award

 

Cobra UK, based on the town’s Buttington Cross Enterprise Park, has won the award in the International Trade category.

 

Cobra UK’s Automotive Products Division employs 43 people and manufactures interior car parts for some of the world’s leading motor manufacturers including Bentley, Volvo, Audi and General Motors.

 

A spokesperson for the Queen’s Awards Office said the honour was in recognition for the company more than trebling its overseas earnings and selling more than 60% of its production abroad, while creating 30 new jobs.

 

“Cobra UK has developed a wide spread of markets, particularly in Europe,” said the spokesman. “Now markets have been established in Canada and Brazil and this outstanding achievement is even more remarkable when you consider that the MG Rover collapse in 2005 resulted in them losing 90% of company sales.

 

“The company’s new lightweight aircraft seat has also attracted favourable coverage.”

 

Managing Director Gary Seale will be heading to Buckingham Palace to attend the Queen’s Reception in July to receive the honour and the Lord Lieutenant for Powys, The Hon. Mrs Shan Legge-Bourke will make a presentation at the company’s headquarters.

 

“We are absolutely delighted to receive such an honour and it means we can carry the Queen’s Award Emblem on all stationery, correspondence and promotional material which can only increase our profile,” said Mr Seale.

 

“When you consider that the MG Rover collapse almost put this company out of business in 2005 this award recognises the significant strides we have made.

 

“It also recognises the faith placed in Cobra UK by our bankers at HSBC and their favourable response to our plans for expansion and the provision of more badly needed jobs for the Welshpoool area.

 

“The award also recognises the incredible contribution made by the staff at Cobra UK during a very difficult period for the company

 

Montgomeryshire MP Mr Glyn Davies was the first to congratulate the company on the news.

 

“This is a remarkable achievement for Cobra UK,” he said. “The award brings great honour not just to the company but to the area as well.

 

“The company has demonstrated great innovative thinking where many would have been devastated by the loss of nearly all their business. They are a shining example and are to be congratulated.”

 

Last year CobraUK secured £500,000 investment from Finance Wales as part of its strategy to remain at the forefront of the automotive interior manufacturing industry after landing a major new contract to supply parts to a leading motor manufacturer and is promising expansion and more jobs.

 

The money was used to help the company meet the demands for a new order for vehicle interior load space covers and has positioned Cobra UK as one of Europe’s top interior trim producers.

 

The company is now hoping to secure further funding to support an expansion plan which could lead to a doubling of the workforce.