Wolverhampton-based Fortress Interlocks has won its third Queen’s Award, which is its first in the International Trade category, recognising its outstanding growth in overseas sales over the last three years.

This is the result of a five-year strategy by the company to build export growth, targeting regions such as Europe, Asia Pacific (including China) and the Americas.

Interlocks are traditionally a mechanical solution, but Fortress has embraced the digital revolution to incorporate electronic and software-based solutions for customers.

Jo Smith, managing director of Fortress Interlocks (www.fortressinterlocks.com), said: “Our business strategy is based on innovative customisation, creating robust solutions to allow our customers to protect their employees and productivity, while our competitors have gone down a route of standardisation.”

In 2016/17, the company’s total sales were £22.5 million, with export sales accounting for £18.3 million. Over the last three years, sales have grown by over 62%.

The company is committed to growth by innovation, continuing its development of intelligent interlocks and most recently adding connectivity to its robust amGardpro range.

Fortress also recently launched the ncGard product range for safeguarding machinery, and it will launch an ultra compact gate switch later this year.