Cobra UK, the Welshpool and Wrexham based car parts producer has been shortlisted as UK finalists in the 2012/13 European Business Awards.
Since 2007, the European Business Awards have been shining a light on the most innovative businesses on the continent by promoting success, innovation and ethics in the European business community.
The awards engaged with over 15,000 organisations in over 30 countries and Cobra UK was this week named as one of 25 shortlisted UK companies.
Cobra UK now go on to compete for National Champion status, submitting video entries to the judging panel in the second phase of the competition.
The company recently opened a purpose-developed 80,000 sq ft factory on Wrexham Industrial Estate after landing a £12million contract with Vauxhall Motors to produce composite load floors and luggage covers, more than doubling its workforce to 140.
“We are absolutely thrilled to be shortlisted and it’s an honour to be recognised as one of the leading organisations in our country and in our field,” said Cobra managing director Gary Seale.
“The European Business Awards are widely recognised as the showcase for Europe’s most dynamic companies. We’re looking forward to the next round of the competition.
“This recognition is a reward for all the hard work put in by a lot of people at Cobra UK. We have come through some very difficult times but have now started shipping load floors and covers to General Motors in both Thailand and Brazil as well as nearer to home at Ellesmere Port.”
Last year Cobra won the Queen’s Award for Industry in the International Trade category.
The company supplies some of the world’s leading motor manufacturers including Bentley, Volvo, Audi, BMW and Porsche as well as General Motors.
Cobra has developed a wide spread of markets, particularly in Europe. Trade has also been established in Canada and Brazil and the company has bounced back since the MG Rover collapse in 2005 resulted in the loss of 90% of company sales.