Paneltex founder and managing director Chris Berridge has been awarded an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours for services to business, exports and the environment.
The award reflects his 33 years of work to build a sustainable business in the manufacture of insulated and specialised vehicles, with a focus on innovation and support for the requirements of every customer.
“I’m humbled and honoured by the recognition, for which I’m truly grateful,” said Berridge. “I do however feel the credit for this award should be shared with my wife, my family and the great team at Paneltex, all of whom make such a contribution on a daily basis to the continued success of the company.
“I still don’t know who put me forward, but would like pass on my thanks to whoever nominated me for this award.”
Berridge founded Paneltex in Hull in 1991 and has led the business ever since, driving growth in UK manufacturing and exports. The temperature-controlled vehicle body builder and converter now has more than 650 employees producing hundreds of vehicle bodies and cold storage systems every week.
