The Prime Minister, the Rt Hon David Cameron MP, has praised a Cannock Chase company for winning a prestigious Queen’s Award for Innovation 2016. Speaking in Prime Minister’s Questions, the Cannock Chase MP, Amanda Milling spoke about Cannock Wood based ATP Industries Group Limited, who were awarded a Queen’s Award for Innovation last week. As well as informing the Prime Minister of ATP’s award, Amanda also spoke of the company’s growth from humble beginnings in 1969, to their success in exporting and asked the Prime Minister what help is available to companies looking to export to new markets. The Prime Minister commended ATP saying, “I certainly join my Hon Friend in congratulating ATP, it’s very difficult to win a Queen's Award so they do deserve praise. “ ATP group started in trading in 1969 in Alan Smart’s garage. Alan, the founder and owner of the company, has seen the company grow over the past decades and is now the market leader in testing and re-manufacturing of automatic transmissions. They export their products across the globe from their purpose built 8,000 sq ft site in Cannock Wood. The company is continuing to expand with their exports increasing by over 50% in the last year. Amanda Milling said: “The technological hurdle that ATP have overcome to carry out this type of precision testing is breathtaking. It shows the level of skill and innovation we have in Cannock Chase. My congratulations go out to everyone at ATP. They are showcasing just some of the high technology and engineering skills we have here and are a great example of local businesses here that are continuing to grow and expand.” Amanda added: "Coming from such small beginnings, starting in a garage in 1969 to a world leader today is no small achievement and they thoroughly deserve this award.” Mark Bowen, ATP Group Sales Director said, “We would like to thank Amanda and the Prime Minister for their praise. We are very humbled by the award and it is something we have worked very hard to achieve. I hope this is the first of many Queen’s Awards for our cutting edge innovation. We are proud to be in Cannock Chase and it is a great place for us to base our business.” You can watch the question to the Prime Minister and his response here - http://goo.gl/HMe6UK