Gripple sales globetrotter accepts the company’s fifth Queen’s award

A Gripple employee, who has promoted the manufacturer’s unique construction products in 23 countries over 16 years, was chosen by the company to accept officially its fifth Queen’s Award from the Lord-Lieutenant for South Yorkshire - the second for International Trade.

In the presence of the Sheffield-based staff and invited guests, the Lord-Lieutenant, Andrew Coombe presented the Queen’s citation to Allan Young on behalf of the company. He is now the international business development manager for the employee-owned manufacturer of the iconic Gripple fastener.

Initially Allan developed construction sales in the UK by establishing and leading a sales team for five years. He then went ‘down under’ spending three years living with his family in Australia where he helped to build sales of a new innovative Gripple hanging system.

He returned to the UK in 2011 when his current role was created. Since then he has been involved in securing business in the Middle East, South America and Asian countries for Gripple’s extensive range of construction products.

Ed Stubbs, the Gripple managing director, said: “Allan was chosen by the company because his sales expertise has been instrumental in the company’s international success, making Gripple the world market leader in the supply of wire joining and tensioning devices. With people like him we will undoubtedly continue to work onwards and upwards.”

Gripple has won two Queen’s Awards both for innovation and international trade and one for sustainable development. Since its last Queen’s Award in 2012 the company’s turnover has more than doubled.

Now with more than 550 staff - 250 of them based in Chicago, Strasbourg and New Delhi - the company has 3900 customers across 80 countries, accounting for 85 per cent of its £50 million turnover with more than 500 million Gripple fasteners used in construction, agricultural and civils markets since its ‘birth’ in 1989.

For further press information please contact Margaret Laver at Proactive PR on 07723 010 752 or margaret@proactivepr.org.uk.