Aerospace and defence company, Thales UK, has been awarded the Queen's Award for Enterprise for its optronics and missile electronics businesses.
The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are highly prestigious awards for outstanding achievement by UK businesses in the categories of Innovation, International Trade and Sustainable Development. The awards are made annually by HM The Queen, and are only given for the highest levels of excellence demonstrated in each category. They are judged to a demanding level and winners receive a number of benefits and worldwide recognition.
Thales UK’s optronics business designs and manufactures electro-optic day and night-vision equipment for use in land, sea and airborne applications. Founded in 1888, the optronics business was registered in Scotland in 1912 and is headquartered in Glasgow.
Thales UK’s missile electronics business designs and manufactures target detection devices, fuzes and safety arming units, which are installed in a range of missiles. With origins tracing back to the First World War, the business has risen to being a recognised world leader in its areas of operations and is based in Basingstoke.
Both parts of the business have been selected for the award for more than doubling their overseas revenues over the last three years.
According to the company, this outstanding result by both businesses is due to a vigorous sales and marketing programme, based on technologically advanced and competitive products, and pursued through a network of 60 international partners in a wide range of overseas markets.
Victor Chavez, CEO of Thales UK, says: “Thales UK is deeply honoured that these businesses have been recognised by Her Majesty for our achievements in exports. These awards underline our leading role in supporting both the UK’s defence industrial capability and the UK’s competitive position in the export market. Above all it recognises the efforts, unique skills and commitment of our employees.”
