Two Gwent firms have been awarded Queen’s Awards for Enterprise.

Cwmbran based Just Rollers plc, a world leader in industrial roller technology has, for the second time in four years, been awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise; International Trade.

The other local company to receive the prestigious award is GTW Developments Limited, which is based in Pontypool.

The awards, issued every year on the Queen’s birthday, acknowledge outstanding achievement and are regarded as the most prestigious accolades for UK businesses and individuals.

Having demonstrated both substantial growth in overseas earnings and commercial success, with export sales increasing by more than 50 per cent in the past three years, the award recognises Just Rollers plc’s outstanding and continuous achievement in international trade.

Established in 1970 as Just Rubber Components Ltd, the company changed its name to Just Rollers plc following a management buyout in 2001. It has since continued with the same team of employees, to become a world leader in the manufacture of rubber compound and rubber and polyurethane covered rollers, with exports to more than 50 countries.

With 80 staff and a turnover in excess of £8m, more than 60 per cent of the current production is now exported, with Russia, France, Germany, and China accounting for more than 30 per cent of sales. Driven by exports turnover has increased by more than £2m since 2009.

Dr Geoff Davis, chairman of Just Rollers plc, said: “This is the second independent and prestigious endorsement of the quality of our company and the people that we employ. Our team has worked very hard to transform the business and this award is great recognition of their efforts. We are all incredibly proud.

GTW Developments Limited, which designs and produces the revolutionary Airbond splicing machines for the textile industry, was awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the innovation category.

Graham Waters, managing director of the company, said: “This is a real privilege and it is testament to the wealth of knowledge in our business and the talent and enthusiasm of our team. These awards are hugely sought-after and are recognised worldwide. This stands us in great stead to consolidate our efforts so far and break into some new export markets.”

Seven in every ten Airbond splicers are currently exported all over the world to markets including China and India.

The company is now looking to penetrate the composites supply chain in the United States.

“We are global market leaders in the supply of splicers for use in the composites market,”

said Mr Waters, who was born and raised in Newbridge and established the business in 1997.