Three Queensland exporters honoured for their success
Austrade media release
1 December 2010
Three Queensland companies have won Australian Export Awards tonight in Sydney for their globally competitive products, innovative marketing techniques and solid export growth.
Last year, these three companies generated over A$2.8 billion in export earnings and employed more than 11,000 people.
One of the country’s longest-running and most prestigious business award programs, the Australian Export Awards celebrates Australia’s best exporters, commending them for their achievements and commitment. The Australian Export Awards are co-presented by the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Congratulating the companies, Austrade’s State Manager for Queensland, Cheryl Stanilewicz, said they had each made a significant contribution, not just to their communities, but also to the national prosperity.
"These Award winners represent what is best about Australian business – dynamic, resourceful and determined to succeed in international business," Ms Stanilewicz said.
"Each of the companies is leading their industries through technological advancement: this strong competitive advantage will help them in a tough global environment," she said.
Swift Australia won the Agribusiness Award, sponsored by the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, for its Beef City abattoir, based outside of Toowoomba.
A dedicated grain-fed beef operation, Swift Australia’s exports from Beef City account for around 95 per cent of production and are shipped to more than 35 countries.
Substantial capital investment in its processing facilities, as well as innovative marketing and packaging developments, has boosted the company’s export growth. These changes have also led to a significant increase in employment and revenue for the Toowoomba region.
Sedgman Limited, winner of the Large Services Award, sponsored by the Australian Trade Commission, is the market leader in the design, construction and operation of coal handling and preparation plants.
Sedgman has gained international recognition for its coal processing and materials handling technologies: this expertise is currently being used on projects in Botswana, Chile, Colombia and Mongolia. The company is also involved in the design and procurement for the world’s largest coal preparation plant currently being built at the Moatize Mine in Mozambique. Over the past two years, Sedgman’s export sales have risen 480 per cent as a result of an international expansion strategy that harnesses client relationships, competitive advantages and technical capabilities.
Xstrata Mount Isa Mines won the Minerals and Energy Award, sponsored by the Minerals Council of Australia.
Xstrata operates two separate mining and processing streams for copper and zinc ore from both underground and open cut mines. The company has made significant capital investments with a 103 per cent increase in annual investment over the past three years. During this time, zinc and copper exports by volume have increased by 105 per cent and 20 per cent respectively. Xstrata anticipates further growth next year when it commences production and export of magnetite: this development will create additional export revenue for Queensland and contribute to regional operational sustainability.
ENDS
Media contact
Emma Bailey
Tel: 02 9392 2176
Mob: 0414 969 348
Email: emma.bailey@austrade.gov.au
Samantha Mattila
Tel: 02 9390 2388
Mob: 0434 567 673
samantha.mattila@austrade.gov.au
Full case studies are available at www.exportawards.gov.au