A FIRM that makes car components has won two of the industry's regional honours.

Holden Aluminium, which employs 177 people at plants in Bromyard and Worcester, took not only the Accelerate Large SME award at a prestigious ceremony at the International Convention Centre, but was named best in the West Mercia region, too.

The specialist manufacturer of aluminium components beat tough competition from across the West Midlands, with the judges particularly impressed with a growth strategy that saw Holden buy its largest customer, Norsk Hydro Aluminium, in April.

The high-profile panel, which featured the RAC's David Bizley and the DTI's Matt Faultless, also singled out the company's ambitious plans to further develop the business on the back of its newly-acquired tier one status with some of the industry's biggest names.

Holden Aluminium Worcester (HAW), which is based in Shrub Hill, makes full-body structures and crash management systems for Aston Martin, BMW, Jaguar and Lotus.

Holden Aluminium Technologies (HAT) is based in Bromyard. The company supplies products to the transport, medical and construction industries and clients include Aston Martin, Renault, Morgan Cars, BMW, Jaguar, Land Rover.

The parts are also used in the Channel Tunnel, escalators and stairlifts. HAT was recently awarded a parts supply contract for Coventry-based commercial vehicle manufacturer Modec. The Modec range, which is environmentally friendly, was launched earlier this year by Tory leader David Cameron.

The past year has highly successful for Holden Aluminium as both companies - HAT and HAW - contributed to building the chassis for the Aston Martin car that won this year's Le Mans 24-hour race.

The winning car was on display at the awards ceremony accompanied by one of the winning drivers, Darren Turner.