Right royal award for leather company
A well-known company that supplies leather for high-end cars has been honoured with the Queen’s Award for International Trade.
It is the fifth time Bridge of Weir Leather Company, which is part of the Scottish Leather Group, has received the accolade.
Karen Marshall, managing director of the company, said:“In the three years of trade that this award represents, from 2015, Bridge of Weir Leather Company, has embarked on a number of ambitious business developments.
“This includes work on our brand, image and design work internationally, to sustainable innovations and, as is the subject of this award, expansion overseas.
“None of these developments have been without heavy investment or risk, and this award is an endorsement of these ambitions and their reception by the international auto industry.
“We now have further overseas partnerships in Latin America, to add to existing operations in China, Europe and North America.
“This award is a huge source of pride for our company and it is down to the hard work of each and every individual within the business – all of whom deliver the outstanding quality, craftsmanship and service we are recognised for.”
Bridge of Weir Leather Company is the largest automotive leather supplier in the UK, and bosses say it competes in the top 10 globally.
It has been in the business for more than a century.
Starting with the Model T Ford in the early 20th century, the company now supplies the global automotive industry and its big brands and products that are household names around the world.
The company’s leather has also been a major export from Scotland for 70 years, with 90 per cent of its product now sold overseas to more than 30 countries.
Since 2009, the business’s bosses say it has boasted the lowest carbon tannery and leather product in the world.
The award was presented to Bridge of Weir Leather Company on behalf of the Queen by Lord Lieutenant of Renfrewshire Guy Clark.