The global firm, which was founded in Ohio in 1905, received the award for chemicals division Varn Products' international trade performance.

Varn managing director Dermot Leary, who received the accolade at a ceremony last Friday, said that it was the result of "a real team effort" and praised the "dedication and commitment" of the firm's staff.

Exports for Varn hit 11m in 2004, an increase of more than 70% since 2001. More than a fifth of its overseas sales are in Germany.

Day, whose blanket brands include DayGraphica and Durazone, is also set to launch an online ordering service by the end of the month at www.day-intl.com.

The service will initially cover the NDI consumables range. Colin Stokes, Day European marketing manager, said that the site could offer blankets and pressroom chemicals in the future.