AN engineering firm has won the royal seal of approval for the fourth time in its history.

Fort Vale, in Simonstone, won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade 2013.

The firm, set up in 1967 by Edward Fort OBE, previously won the award, which is presented by the Queen, in 1981, 1986 and 2008.

Recommendations for the awards are made by a panel of judges, which makes a recommendation to the Prime Minister’s Advisory Committee, which in turn makes a recommendation to the Queen who makes the final decision on winners.

The award is one of 150 made to businesses and individuals in the UK.

A presentation will be made at a later date by the Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire, prior to two representatives of Fort Vale attending a reception at Buckingham Palace in July.

The company is the leading manufacturer of precision valves equipment used for bulk transportation of liquids, gases, and hazardous cargoes around the world.

The company employs about 460 people worldwide, and in addition to its headquarters, has bases in the Netherlands, Singapore, China, Russia and the USA.

It sells its products to more than 50 countries and more than 95 per cent of production from its factory is exported.

Ian Wilson, managing director, said: “We are very pleased to receive this prestigious award. It is a tribute to the dedication and hard work of all our employees, whose efforts continue to drive the business forward year on year.”

The company has recently opened a new research and development centre at its Simonstone site, with the aim of improving its product development in a bid to penetrate new markets at home and abroad.