An innovative, Whitland-based medical device manufacturer has won this year's Queen's Awards for Enterprise in the International Trade category.

The Magstim Company Limited design, develop and market medical devices used in neuroscience research labs and the operating theatre. It started trading in 1990 and is winning the Queen's Award for increasing its overseas earnings by 66 per cent to over £7 million per annum and selling 84 per cent of its production overseas.

This outstanding performance has been achieved through a wide variety of activities, including a worldwide distribution network and by making direct sales to research or clinical customers.

"It is a testament to the high calibre and dedication of our staff, the majority of whom are from the locality, that Magstim has won this award," says managing director, John Starzewski. "Magstim has continued to grow in the short space of time since the award was made - we now have over 68 employees - and we plan further expansion in the near future."

There will be a formal presentation ceremony for the award at Magstim's Whitland site in June, and two company representatives will be attending a special reception at Buckingham Palace in July, which will be hosted by Her Majesty The Queen.

Magstim is renowned in its field as the manufacturer of the most widely-used TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) Stimulator in the world. These stimulators are used by neuroscience researchers to investigate the connectivity of the brain, with results that have implications for the diagnosis and treatment of Multiple Sclerosis, Central Motor Disorders, Motor Neurone Disease and Spinal Injury.

Magstim is also responsible for the Neurosign range of intra-operative monitors and accessories, which are routinely used by ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) surgeons to protect vital facial nerves during complex surgery.