WOOLSTON-based Textron Fastening Systems has been awarded Ford's prestigious 'Q1 supplier status'.

Plant manager Duncan McDonald accepted the award from Ford's supplier technical assistance engineer, Bill Hughes, who presented the award on behalf of Ford Europe.

The award is given to Ford suppliers who meet the highest standards laid out by the company in efficiency and customer service.

Mr McDonald said: "This key award reflects the quality of the products and services that are supplied to Ford by the Warrington facility, as well as its commitment to building and maintaining a strategic partnership with Ford.

"It reflects our team's focus on supporting this very important global customer's manufacturing operations.

"We take that responsibility very seriously, and I would like to thank all of our employees in Warrington for their commitment and dedication to supporting Ford."

Textron is looking to increase its turnover by 50 per cent and boost staff numbers to 60 by the end of 2004.

Textron's Hardwick Grange plant produces and distributes fasteners for a wide range of applications in the automotive, electronics and general manufacturing industries.

Ford in Europe is Textron's largest customer with shipments to most of Ford's European plants and to facilities in America and Mexico.

By the end of 2003 the plant employed about 200 people and had a turnover approaching £20 million.

The company has had a presence in Warrington since 1973, when the former owner, Avdel, built a satellite manufacturing facility to compliment its existing Welwyn Garden City headquarters facility and manufacturing unit.