THORNTON firm Victrex has soared to win a Queen's export award - thanks to a high-strength plastic used in aircraft.

The award came after a phenomenal 60 per cent increase in exports over just three-and-a-half years since Victrex was formed by a management buy-out from ICI.

This makes it the youngest firm to win such an award - quite an achievement for the directors who took it over.

In addition, it has expanded its workforce from 52 to 92, and is moving to new offices closer to its manufacturing plant at the Hillhouse site.

The achievement is all thanks to a very expensive but super-strength, lightweight, heat- and chemical-resistant plastic called PEEK polymer, invented by ICI some 20 years ago.

Now it is exported to America, Europe and South East Asia for use in aircraft engines and interiors, car engines, industrial, medical and electronic manufacturing.

Next time you fly, take a look at the brackets holding the overhead luggage compartments - they could be made from PEEK polymer - a lighter alternative to aluminium.

International marketing manager Andrew Walker said: "All the workforce is committed to looking after our customers. We are proud to have a unique product, and to have won this award, but our customers always come first."

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