Birmingham-based Brandauer, a metal pressings specialist, has capitalised on its Queen’s Award success by securing a new contract from a customer in the renewable-energy sector.

The 157-year-old company revealed its involvement in a new wind-energy project during the official presentation of its award (in the International Trade category) by the Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands.

The company (www.brandauer.co.uk) has been working with British manufacturer FuturEnergy to develop thin-gauge generator lamination T pieces for AirForce1, a 1kW horizontal-axis turbine system designed for use in homes and isolated industrial applications.

This is the firm’s latest foray into the renewables sector and further evidence of its lamination expertise — a driving force in its over £1.5 million of new export business in the last 12 months.

Brandauer CEO Rowan Crozier said: “This is a memorable moment in our history, and it underlines how parts manufactured in the heart of Birmingham are positively impacting on people’s lives all over the world.

"We currently make components that are used in 90% of the world’s kettles, in reconnaissance drones that save lives and edge connectors for the dimming of rear-view mirrors in half of global car models.

"We are passionate about UK manufacturing, and this prestigious award gives us the confidence to go out there and represent industry in this country against our international rivals.”

Stuart McLeish, operations director at Stratford-upon-Avon-based FuturEnergy, said: “Our technology is manufactured completely in Britain, and Brandauer has added real value to our supply chain — first supporting us on the design, then the development of the tooling and then establishing production of the specialist laminates.

"Its willingness to invest in new equipment and a considerable amount of R&D time proved to us its desire to be involved, and we look forward to exploring how we can continue to make the most of each other’s strengths.”