Pictured above: Ian Edmundson

Dunlop Aircraft Tyres' international sales achievements have been recognised with the Queen's Award for Enterprise in the international trade category.

Based in Birmingham with a rich history spanning over 100 years, Dunlop Aircraft Tyres has been rewarded with the prestigious award following six consecutive years of growth in its international sales.

Earnings from overseas now account for almost 80 per cent of the company's turnover, with Air Nostrum, Compass Airlines, Egyptair, Kenya Airways, Lion Air, Lufthansa, QantasLink, and Saudi Arabian Airlines among the growing list of operators using Dunlop's products.

The company's export market also includes military operators, airframe manufacturers as well as leading maintenance, repair and overhaul companies.

In 2009, the company reaffirmed its commitment to geographic expansion by developing a joint venture aircraft tyre distribution and retreading facility in China that is being used to effectively serve the expanding Asia Pacific marketplace.

In addition, investment in new products for aircraft including E-Jets, the Q400 and the CRJ NextGen family plus development of radial products have helped Dunlop Aircraft Tyres sustain its export growth.

"We are delighted that our achievements have been recognised with a Queen's Award for Enterprise. It is a great honour for both the company and the people that work here," said Dunlop Aircraft Tyres' chairman, Ian Edmondson.

"We continue to face intense international competition but are investing in an ambitious expansion plan that has already included the opening of our facility in Asia Pacific and acquisition of new production and testing equipment.

"This will help the company expand its geographic presence and bring new radial products to market, including tyres for the Airbus A320 and Boeing 777."