Elekta Awarded the 2012 Queens Award for Enterprise in International Trade Category

- With Photo

- Henry Smith MP tours Crawley facility, home of the first digital linear accelerator, briefed on cancer treatment innovation and new jobs

CRAWLEY, England, April 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Elekta, a global medical technology company dedicated to oncology and neuroscience clinical advancements, is proud to receive The Queen's Award for Enterprise 2012 in the International Trade* category. The Award is the U.K.,'s highest accolade for business success given each year by the Queen on the advice of the prime minister, who is assisted by an Advisory Committee that includes representatives of government, industry and commerce, and the trade unions.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120420/CL91552)

The Queen's Award for Elekta acknowledges continuous improvement in the company's overseas sales, in addition to its steady growth of exports, calculated at 131 percent over the last six years.

"Elekta strives to create new cancer innovations that place the value of the patient first and creates a relationship-focused approach that incorporates trust and responsibility," states Johan Sedihn, Executive Vice President, Elekta Oncology. "Elekta's employees and clinical partners can be deservedly proud of The Queen's Award and the innovative tradition of improving the lives of individuals with cancer. Our oncology innovations are shared with the world, while benefiting the U.K. manufacturing and industrial base."

Member of Parliament impressed with pioneer spirit

On April 13, Henry Smith MP visited Elekta after CE Marking for Agility™*, a 160-leaf multileaf collimator (MLC), was achieved earlier in the month – the approval to market the device in the European market.

Agility, another first in cancer innovations from Elekta, defines how patients will receive radiation to their tumour – more accurate treatments with reduced dose to healthy tissue. Cancer clinics worldwide that acquire the technology can expect to deliver treatment speeds up to twice that of equipment currently used.

The Agility development project depended critically on Elekta's collaboration with its clinical partners worldwide, particularly NHS institutions.

During his visit to Elekta's Crawley facility, Mr. Smith commented on the significance of Elekta's new technology and what it means for the local economy. "This is a fascinating development for Elekta and for the visibility of Crawley as the site of medical innovation," Mr. Smith observes. "Elekta also has a keen commitment to apprenticeships and science outreach, such as supporting STEMfest, and is exactly what we need to support science careers in school."

Employment opportunities

Elekta's job growth at the Crawley plant – from circa 400 to 680 employees in the last three years – in combination with its current plans to recruit approximately 80 employees throughout the next 12 months, supports its selection as the recipient of the Queen's Award. Elekta also has worked to develop young talent by hiring 15 apprentices over the last seven years, many of whom are now in technical roles within the company and two who are undergoing training with the local College.

"Elekta has played a crucial role in the regional economy by employing 680 employees at the Crawley location with 1,000 manufacturing jobs in the supply chain across the U.K.," says Johan Sedihn. "Accordingly, we are scaling up our recruitment in Crawley to maintain the pace of innovation for which Elekta is renowned."

More information about careers with Elekta is available at: http://www.elekta.com/company/career-center.html.

*For more information on The Queens Award program and winners: http://tinyurl.com/6r578bq. Agility is not available for sale or distribution in all markets. Please contact your local Elekta representative for details.

For further information, please contact:
Stina Thorman, Vice President Corporate Communications, Elekta AB
Tel: +46-8-587-254-37, email: stina.thorman@elekta.com
Time zone: CET: Central European

Michelle Joiner, Director, Global Public Relations and Brand Management, Elekta
Tel: +1-770-670-2447, email: michelle.joiner@elekta.com
Time zone: ET: Eastern

About Elekta
Elekta is a human care company pioneering significant innovations and clinical solutions for treating cancer and brain disorders. The company develops sophisticated, state-of-the-art tools and treatment planning systems for radiation therapy, radiosurgery and brachytherapy, as well as workflow enhancing software systems across the spectrum of cancer care. Stretching the boundaries of science and technology, providing intelligent and resource-efficient solutions that offer confidence to both healthcare providers and patients, Elekta aims to improve, prolong and even save patient lives.

Today, Elekta solutions in oncology and neurosurgery are used in over 6,000 hospitals worldwide. Elekta employs around 3,300 employees globally. The corporate headquarters is located in Stockholm, Sweden, and the company is listed on the Nordic Exchange under the ticker EKTAb. Website: www.elekta.com.

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