The past year has been another highly successful one for Tasmania, particularly in the area of export performance. In the year to July 2007 Tasmanian exports grew by an outstanding 26 per cent to a record $3.72 billion (as reported by the ABS).
This special edition of ExportActive lists the winners of the Tasmanian Export Awards 2007. All category winners now advance as finalists to the prestigious Australian Export Awards 2007, with the winners being announced on the evening of 22 November.
Congratulations to all category winners and in particular, Liferaft Systems Australia which was named the Minister’s Tasmanian Exporter of the Year.
I would also like to congratulate Robert Clifford for being announced as the 2007 winner of the Tasmanian Award for Export Leadership. This is an individual award given to those that have demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities and whose individual contribution has had a significant impact on their entire business sector and Tasmania as a whole.
Thank you to our sponsors for their support of the awards, their commitment to honouring our export heroes and their individual contributions to Tasmania’s continued success in international markets.
I would also like to thank my team who have worked so hard to make the 2007 Tasmanian Export Awards such a success.
Kim McShane, Ann Atkinson, Alan Campbell, Fransina Barns, Martin Turmine, Kathryn McCann and George Chambers of the Export and Market Development Team
I look forward to the upcoming national awards where Australia’s exporting enterprises are honoured for their achievements.
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The Minister’s Tasmanian Exporter of the Year Award is selected from all the category winners.
The winner of the 2007 Minister’s Tasmanian Exporter of the Year Award is –
Liferaft Systems Australia
A staggering 98 per cent of sales from Liferaft Systems Australia are generated through exports. Liferaft Systems Australia has established dedicated commercial and technical offices in Europe and North America, and has 38 approved service agents in 21 countries worldwide - ensuring first-class customer service, 24 hours a day. It has invested heavily and consistently in research and development, which has resulted in a range of design features that give it a clear edge in a highly competitive market.
In a field where safety is of paramount importance, Liferaft Systems Australia’s brand has become synonymous with quality, reliability and adherence to specifications.
It has diversified its product range and successfully entered new markets, where it is has added to its growing reputation for excellence.
On top of all its many achievements Liferaft Systems Australia has had another outstanding year, increasing its multi-million dollar export sales by a highly impressive 40 per cent.
Consistency, commitment, world-class designs, exceptional customer service and a stellar performance over the past twelve months are just some of the reasons why Liferaft Systems Australia is 2007 Tasmanian Exporter of the Year.
The Hon Steve Kons MHA, Deputy Premier presents the Tasmanian Exporter of the Year Award to Michael Grainger, Managing Director, Liferaft Systems Australia
This award is presented to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the export industry in Tasmania.
The 2007 Tasmanian Award for Export Leadership goes to –
Robert Clifford AO
Robert Clifford has earned a prominent place in Tasmania’s rich maritime history. Through a blend of attributes that include tenacity, perseverance, exceptional leadership skills and a dogged determination to succeed, he has made Incat a world leader in high-speed ships, while playing a pivotal role in the development of the maritime industry - within Tasmania, on mainland Australia and around the world.
Typical of his attitude to life, Robert has not lamented the skills shortages. Instead, he saw the situation as a challenge and an opportunity. Of Incat’s 660 employees, 20 pre cent are in formal training, with 90 of those in trade apprenticeships. In addition, he has worked closely with State and Federal Governments to establish the College of Aluminium Training, a forerunner of the College of Metal Fabrication.
Robert has shown remarkable resilience during the lean times, remaining focussed on his vision and supportive of his staff and suppliers. He has overcome obstacles and his company now exports to 22 countries around the world and dominates many markets. For instance, 70 pre cent of high-speed ships operating in UK waters are Incat built.
A remarkable man that has made a remarkable contribution to his industry – not just in Tasmania, but throughout the world.
Kim and Craig Clifford accept the Export Leadership Award on behalf of Robert Clifford AO
This award is presented to the business which demonstrated outstanding export achievement in the field of agricultural products, services or technology, including processed foods and beverages and the forestry, fisheries and fibres industries.
The winner of the 2007 Agribusiness Award is –
Tasman Group Services
Tasman Group Services is a fully-integrated, multi-species, meat processing company that offers a full-range of services from slaughtering, rendering, boning and cold storage through to distribution, sales and marketing.
Its extensive range of export products includes beef, veal, lamb, mutton, offal, skins and value-added.
The company has a substantial turnover and makes a major contribution to the Tasmanian economy. In the past financial year, nearly half of its income was derived from its export performance in over 50 countries worldwide.
Large investments in its Tasmanian processing facilities have significantly enhanced its processing capacity, enabling it to meet the demands of its rapidly expanding international markets and to create a considerable number of new job opportunities.
A sharp focus on branding, brand support and customer relations have been essential elements in the company’s comprehensive marketing plan. The introduction of new value-added product lines and continued investment in plant and equipment are part of Tasman Group’s ongoing export expansion strategy.
Jon Lister, General Manager Logistics Services, Tasmania Ports Corporation presents the award to Andrew Palmer, Longford Plant Manager and Lydia Horsburgh, Marketing Manager, Tasman Group Services
The Australian Government Emerging Exporter Award is presented to the business that has demonstrated outstanding export achievement in any export sector and has been exporting goods or services for three years or less.
The winner of the 2007 Emerging Exporter Award is –
Abalone Farms Australia
Abalone Farms Australia is a land-based abalone farm that grows abalone, which it sells to international markets in a frozen form.
After harvesting, the prized abalone is carefully processed through operations that are controlled to ensure the very highest standards of health, hygiene and quality - guaranteeing that produce reaches its destination in perfect condition and in line with customer requirements.
Its Greenlip abalone is renowned for its exceptionally fine texture, succulent white meat and distinctive salty flavour.
The company has leveraged off Tasmania’s reputation as being the source of the world’s finest abalone to promote its brand to the premium end of international markets. From a zero base in 2006, it has built strong sales to Japan and plans to extend sales in Asia.
Abalone Farms Australia has demonstrated strong export sales in a short timeframe and great potential for growth.
Miles Cropp, Managing Director, Abalone Farms Australia accepts the award from Michael Ferguson MP representing the Australian Government
This award is presented to the business that has achieved outstanding export success in the field of information and communication products, technology or services.
The winner of the 2007 Information and Communications Technology Award is –
The Learning Edge International
The Learning Edge International is a software solutions provider that specialises in the education market.
Its main product, EQUELLA, is a ground breaking digital repository that has no equal in terms of its range of functionality and flexibility - enabling educators to manage and tailor their online learning material in one centralised location.
A proactive approach combined with a focus on research and development, outstanding technical support, the formation of key international partnerships, and marketing excellence have all contributed to the success of this innovative company in a range of international markets in Asia, Europe and North America.
Export sales have more than tripled in the past year, which has contributed to a major increase in staff. The Learning Edge International now have offices established in North America and Europe and there is strong potential for continued growth and export success.
Alistair Oliver, Marketing Manager, The Learning Edge International accepts the award from Peter West, The British Consul General
This category award goes to the manufacturing business that has shown outstanding export with total annual sales not exceeding $5 million.
The winner of the 2007 Small Business Award is –
Lightning Protection International
Lightning Protection International is a dynamic and young company that has delivered an outstanding performance by increasing its already impressive export earnings by a further 46 per cent over the past 12 months.
Lightning Protection International supplies a complete range of advanced direct strike lightning, earthing, surge and transient protection products from its site, south of Hobart.
Customising products to meet conditions in target markets has been one of the keys to success for this outstanding performer. It has established a distribution base in over 40 countries and can proudly claim that over 90 per cent of its revenue is generated by its international sales.
Paul Hollingsworth, Chief Executive Officer, Lightning Protection International accepts the award from Andrew Ransley, Managing Director, Caterpillar Underground Mining
This award is presented to the business with outstanding export achievement whose head office is based in a non-metropolitan location.
The winner of the 2007 Regional Exporter of the Year Award is –
Australian Honey Products
Australian Honey Products produce a superb range of honey and related products, including the multi-award winning Cradle Mountain Leatherwood Honey.
From pollination and harvesting through to processing, packaging and marketing, this Launceston-based company has made its mark. Milestones along the road to export success include breaking into the difficult Korean market, which has stringent quota limits on imported honey, and gaining a firm foothold in premium level markets in Japan, where consumers are renowned for their highly discerning tastes and insistence on quality.
This forward thinking company has made substantial investments to ensure that it builds on its success. Today it owns an impressive 1200 hives, strategically placed in Tasmania’s pristine cool climate rainforests. And its use of cutting-edge heat exchange equipment has strengthened its position as one of the state’s leading honey producers.
Lindsay and Yeonsoon Bourke, Australian Honey Products accept their award from Paul Delaney, Senior Manager, Trade and Working Capital Finance, Commonwealth Bank
This Award is presented to the business that has shown outstanding export achievement in a recognised services industry such as consultancy, education, finance, insurance, legal, health, community and engineering sectors.
This year’s Austrade Services Award is split into two sections: Services and Education.
The winner of the 2007 Services Award is –
Roaring 40s Renewable Energy
This dynamic new force in renewable energy has achieved remarkable success in international markets in a very short space of time.
In just over a year, it has become one of the leading renewable energy development businesses in Asia and Oceania, and it is already the largest foreign wind energy developer in China.
Its team of highly trained personnel provide a suite of services across the full spectrum of the project life cycle, from project development, financing and investment management, through to construction, operation, and ongoing maintenance.
A critical factor in its success in China has been its ability to develop strong ties with the Chinese government and secure joint venture arrangements with two of the country’s largest energy generating companies.
Head office is firmly entrenched in Hobart, but it has already established international offices in Hong Kong, Beijing and Mumbai to complement its export initiatives.
Global warming and a finite supply of fossil fuels are creating increasing demand for clean, green alternative energy sources, Roaring 40s is looking at further export growth through these opportunities.
The Education Award is presented to the business which has shown outstanding export achievement in the field of education and training services, expertise and curriculum.
Tristram Travers, State Manager, Austrade Tasmania presents the award to Mark Kelleher, Managing Director, Roaring 40s Renewable Energy
The winner of the 2007 Education Award is –
St Michael’s Collegiate School
St Michael’s Collegiate School enhances Tasmania’s growing reputation for providing world-class education facilities for international students.
This independent school for girls provides high quality education for international students from kindergarten to Year 12, with accompanying boarding facilities.
The school has adopted a refreshing, co-operative approach to its marketing initiatives, believing that working with Tasmania’s other education institutions creates synergy and provides a united front to promote the state as the destination of choice for international students.
Its long-term strategic plan takes cognisance of the need to expand international business, while not compromising on its exceptionally high standards in terms of providing a top quality, English-based education.
Excellent facilities, superb teaching staff, state-of-the art technology, and proactive management are just some of the factors that have contributed to St Michael’s Collegiate being ranked in the top ten per cent of schools in Australia and expanding its markets in a host of countries around the world.
Katherine Hutton, Registrar, St Michael's Collegiate School accepts their award from Tristram Travers, State Manager, Austrade Tasmania
This award is presented to the business which has achieved outstanding export achievement in the manufacturing sector. This year’s Aurora Energy Manufacturer Award is split into two sections: Large Advanced Manufacturer and Small to Medium Manufacturer.
The Large Advanced Manufacturer Award is awarded to a manufacturer who has achieved annual export sales in excess of $20 million.
The winner of the 2007 Large Advanced Manufacturer Award is –
Australian Weaving Mills
Australian Weaving Mills specialise in delivering a high quality range of Australian-made linen to a growing number of international customers, including the prestigious Marriott, Intercontinental and Hilton hotel chains in Asia and Australasia.
At a time when many Australian textile manufacturers are struggling to maintain production onshore, this vibrant Devonport-based company has gone from strength to strength by implementing innovative, highly-efficient manufacturing techniques, focusing on supply chain improvements and investing in state of the art machinery.
It has formed key international alliances, tailored its products to suit specific markets, developed its brands, shortened its lead-times and established a world-class after sales service – a winning formula that has resulted in international sales virtually doubling in the past financial year.
Dr Peter Davis, Chief Executive Officer, Aurora Energy presents the award to Geoff Parker, Chief Executive Officer and Pamela Lilburne, Export Manager, Australian Weaving Mills
The Small to Medium Manufacturer Award is presented to a business with annual sales of less than $20 million.
The winner of the 2007 Small to Medium Manufacturer Award is –
Liferaft Systems Australia
Liferaft Systems Australia has been one of the state’s top export performers for well over a decade. This dynamic Tasmanian company specialises in the design, manufacture and supply of marine evacuation systems and large capacity liferafts.
It is a world leader in its field, with a highly-adaptable product range that incorporates many unique design elements, plus features that have been adapted to meet customer needs.
The company has built a reputation for quality, reliability and design excellence. Its equipment, which is lighter, more compact and easier to use than competing products, is installed in over 100 vessels in all parts of the world.
Thorough research, innovation, diversification, effective financial control, service excellence and a commitment to quality have all contributed to making Liferaft Systems Australia so successful.
Michael Grainger, Managing Director, Liferaft Sytems Australia and Dr Peter Davis, Chief Executive Officer, Aurora Energy
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