A DETERMINATION to "bring the future to East Lancashire" convinced the judges that BMP Europe was this year's Innovation Award winner.
The Altham-based firm showed how innovation could give companies the edge on competitors after it devised a new and faster way of feeding paper to office printers and copiers.
Established more than 20 years ago, BMP Europe is a bespoke manufacturer of components used in digital printing equipment.
But although technology streamed ahead, the rollers stayed the same - until 2003 when bosses developed its Trans Thane polyurethane roller system which feeds paper to copiers and laser printers more quickly.
The system is the only kind of its type in the industry and also means prints do not have to go through a costly second phase to complete the printing.
Vigorous testing also showed wear resistance was 45 per cent lower than its rubber rival.
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Until 2003 BMP had never manufactured paper transport rollers.
In 2006, 350,000 units were produced.
Overall, the new rollers helped increase the company's
turnover by nearly £1.5million.
Such has its impact been, the Telegraph's accolade came hot on the heels of a Queen's Award for Enterprise in the innovation category this year.
Product engineer Ben Gregson said: "I'm surprised that we were chosen as the winner after getting the Queen's Award - but extremely glad!
"Particular thanks must go to our sales and marketing director Steve Moon, PU product engineer Dr Prakash Patel, and the rest of the product engineering team behind the development.
"Getting awards like this shows how much potential there is in this area, which is underestimated.
"I think people from outside the area have the impression that East Lancashire is a bit stuck in the past, but that's wrong. We have a great manufacturing history, including companies such as Rolls-Royce, and we use that as a backdrop to bring the future to the area, rather than watching other countries or areas do it.
"We have great plans for the future, to take the same innovation that has earned us this award, and apply it to all areas of our business."
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