A Royston firm has won a prestigious award recognising its work in sustainable development.

Johnson Matthey, which has its headquarters in Orchard Road, Royston, has won the 2014 Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development.

The prize recognises the company’s achievements in developing and manufacturing emission control catalysts for motor vehicles which use resources efficiently and are therefore better for the environment.

“We feel extremely honoured to have been awarded The Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development,” said Neil Carson, Chief Executive of Johnson Matthey.

“This highly prestigious award recognises the hard work and dedication of our employees and acknowledges our cutting-edge technology in the field of automotive emissions control over four decades. It also reflects our commitment to sustainability, both in our manufacturing operations and through the action of our emission control products in improving air quality around the world.”

Johnson Matthey produced its first autocatalyst at its Royston plant 40 years ago, in May 1974. It has now developed a range of emission control devices which are used in a variety of different vehicles and fuels around the world.

The Queen’s Award for Sustainable Development is a government-backed prize given out each year to a company which “ensures a better quality of life for everyone, now and for generations to come”.

The award will be presented on Friday, June 20, when Johnson Matthey, which is Royston’s biggest employer, holds a celebration to mark the 40th anniversary of that first autocatalyst being produced.