The Duke of York is due to visit Melksham later today to present a prestigious Queen’s Award to a local manufacturing firm.
Prince Andrew will be guest of honour at Checkmate Group, which took over the former Avon Fabrications business and operates from premises in Pegasus Way, Bowerhill.
This is the second Queen’s Award for Innovation for the Wiltshire and Kent-based manufacturer, which received its first four years ago.
The award is for the development of a new type of rubber airbag, used to secure cargo in the holds of ships.
The Duke is due to arrive at 3pm to present the award to Paul Auston, chairman of Checkmate UK, and Richard ‘Henry’ Berry, the longest serving employee, who has worked for Avon Rubber and then Checkmate Flexible Engineering for a total of 46 years.
He is also expected to spend the afternoon speaking to some of the firm’s longest serving employees.
Checkmate bought the Avon Fabrication business, formerly owned by Avon Rubber, eight years ago and transferred the 22 employees to its premises in Bowerhill.
Melksham mayor Richard Wiltshire, Wiltshire High Sheriff Robert Floyd, and Vice Admiral Sir Adrian Johns of the Royal Navy will be among the VIP guests.
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