Bridge of Weir has been further recognised as a notable exporter. Already the recipient of four Queen’s Awards for Enterprise (International Trade categories) – the latest awarded in 2012 – the Fine Scottish Leather maker has also been named Scottish Exporter of the Year.
The company was honoured at a glittering awards ceremony in Glasgow, attended by more than 500 guests including Scotland’s First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, who said in her address:
“These Awards are an opportunity to celebrate the international success of some of our most ambitious businesses," she said. "They have all successfully identified and seized new export opportunities around the world.
"They represent a great example of what we want to see: globally successful Scottish companies producing cutting edge, high quality goods and services. In doing so, they are expanding their businesses, boosting Scotland’s economy and enhancing our international reputation.”
Receiving the award, Bridge of Weir managing director Karen Marshall said:
“This award is recognition of the more than 500 people who work for us. We are a manufacturing company and this success is down to every single person who works at Bridge of Weir day in, day out – from those doing the tireless research and development and manufacturing in the factory, to the people travelling the globe promoting and distributing our leather. It is an absolute honour and privilege to receive this award on behalf of Bridge of Weir and to recognise the hard work that goes in to making our business a great Scottish exporter.”
Bridge of Weir is the largest automotive leather supplier in the UK, and has been at the forefront of innovation and quality for over a century. Starting with the Model T Ford in the early 20th century, the company now supplies the global automotive industry and its greatest brands and products that are household names around the world. The company’s leather has been a major export from Scotland for 70 years, with xx% of its product now sold overseas to more than 30 countries spanning the globe.
The Scottish Export Awards were sponsored by HSBC and delivered in association with Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
