A FIRM that specialises in producing healthcare products near Ilminster is celebrating after scooping a Queen’s Award – for the second time in five years.

Probiotics Intertnational Ltd (Protexin) has been awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in recognition of the company’s achievements in international trade.

The company, which employs more than 100 employees, manufactures healthcare products for human, veterinary, equine and agricultural markets.

Its large headquarters is based in Lopen Head, just south of South Petherton, and also won the same Queen’s Award in 2011. It sells its products all over the world, and is hoping that the award will lead to a boom in business, as the Queen’s Award is globally recognised.

Jonathan Sowler, commercial director, said: “The Queen’s Award for Enterprise is a global stamp of approval and is well known across the world.

“To be recognised again that we have excelled in an industry that we are passionate about and dedicated to is fantastic.

“We have built strong international relationships across the globe with our trusted partners who are committed to educating their markets about our products and appreciate our high quality manufacturing standards (MHRA, cGMP) as well as our commitment to robust scientific research.

“They are a huge part of this success and always look forward to visiting our head office in beautiful Somerset.”

Since Protexin won the award for the first time in 2011, it has continued to go from strength to strength recording impressive and substantial commercial growth over the past five years. During this time export sales have tripled and International Trade accounts for 60 per cent of Protexin’s business across over 80 countries and this is why the judges chose to award this prestigious accolade for a second time.

Toby Lewis, managing director, said: “Winning in 2011 was an honour for the company.

“To be recognised for a second time in 2016 really is exceptional. It is testimony to the hard work and loyalty of everyone within the company over the past 5 years who have helped to ensure our business continues to thrive.

The firm has now reiterated its commitment to its work, and said it will continue to build in the coming future.

Mr Sowler added: “Protexin will not be resting on its laurels; already in 2016 we have achieved a two-star rating from Best Companies, meaning we are an ‘outstanding’ local company to work for and now we have achieved our second Queen’s Award, and it’s still only April.

“Business continues to grow in all markets at home and abroad and we will continue to work hard on bringing exciting new products to the markets we operate in as well as continuously demonstrating our commitment to scientific research.

“There are tremendous plans ahead for Protexin with more exciting news to come.”

Representatives of Protexin have been invited to attend Her Majesty The Queens Reception at Buckingham Palace on Thursday, July 14 to celebrate this prestigious award.