Joy Mining Machinery has won the Queens Award for Enterprise in the category of International Trade. This reflects an outstanding achievement, increasing export sales by almost 120% over the last three years with exports now representing around 90% of total sales of £245 million. The company has successfully continued to grow its overseas markets, supplying high technology underground mining systems for use all over the world. From the UK, Joy is selling machines not only in the UK but also across the USA, Poland, Australia, South Africa, China, Russia and India. 

The company says it “fully appreciates the efforts and support of all its customers, key suppliers and employees” at its UK facilities in Worcester, Wigan and Pinxton. “All have contributed greatly to this success.”

The company’s Centre of Excellence for JOY longwall roof support design and development testing is based in Wigan and currently employs over 120 people. This week the company officially marks the commissioning and installation of the world’s largest built structural test rig for longwall roof supports located at the Wigan site. The test rig is capable of loading units to 2,500 tonne and at a height of over 6 m. The addition of this major investment has recently led to an order from an Australian company for what will be the biggest rated roof support in the world; rated at 1,750 t and capable of being used in mining up to 5 m in height.

“We are very proud to again win the Queen’s Award and see this as recognition of our world leading status in the development and manufacture of underground mining equipment and of the hard work from all our employees.” said Simon Pickup, Joy’s Managing Director.