Sandy UK - Watkiss Automation Limited is delighted to announce that it has today been awarded the prestigious Queen's Award for Enterprise, which is widely viewed as the UK's most prestigious accolade for business-related achievement and performance.

The Award, in the International Trade category, is bestowed for substantial growth in overseas earnings and commercial success, to levels that are outstanding.  It is the second time that Watkiss has received the Queen's Award.

Over the past three years Watkiss' export sales have more than doubled, as the company has strengthened its position as a leading supplier of booklet making and print finishing systems to the global printing industry.  More than 75% of production is sold overseas.

"We feel honoured and privileged to have received a Queen's Award," said Barbara Watkiss, Managing Director. "It is a prestigious and independent recognition of our commitment to excellence in all aspects of our business. Success is only possible through dedication, passion and a lot of hard work from the entire Watkiss workforce, and of course the efforts of our distributors and business partners.  That we have achieved this in a time of global economic turmoil makes it especially rewarding. "

Watkiss attributes its success to the adoption of its SquareBack book technology, which is now the preferred choice of printers and print buyers all over the world.  In particular, sales of the Watkiss SpineMaster and Watkiss PowerSquare product lines have been impressive.  These products will be on show at the forthcoming Ipex exhibition, that takes place in Birmingham in May 2010.

The announcement is timed to mark Her Majesty The Queen's birthday on April 21st. The Awards are made each year by The Queen, on the advice of the Prime Minister, who is assisting by an advisory committee that includes representatives of Government, industry and commerce and the trade unions.