Builders Merchants Journal – BMJ Publishing to Builders Merchants and the UK merchanting industry for more than 95 years
Steel window manufacturer Crittall Windows has received the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade.
The award has been made in recognition of the company’s export achievements in the notoriously difficult American market where Essex-based Crittall has seen the value of its sales increase significantly over recent years.
Crittall is now the second largest supplier of steel windows in the United States having re-built its entire distribution network there in just six years.
“We feel proud and honoured to be recognised by the Queen’s Award for our work and success in the US market,” said managing director John Pyatt.
“America can be seen as one of the hardest markets to compete in and this accolade is the culmination of Crittall’s long history showing how a professionally-managed private company with an excellent product, a strong brand and an enthusiastic workforce can take on the Americans at their own game.”
In order to win a Queen’s Award, companies also have to demonstrate high quality business practices in employee relations, environmental policy, health and safety matters, and its relationship with the local community. In all these matters Crittall Windows has scored very highly. Its workforce of around 200 is drawn from its local area and one in ten employees have been with the firm for more than 40 years.
