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Western Australian exporters honoured for their success

Austrade media release

1 December 2010

Three WA companies have won Australian Export Awards tonight as a result of their world-leading products and services, marketing innovation and sustainable export growth. Last year, these three companies generated almost A$600 million in export earnings and employed more than 25,000 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 WA, Steve Rank, 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,” Mr Rank said.

“Each of the companies is leading their industries through technological advancement: this strong competitive advantage will help them in a tough global environment,” he said.

Founded in 2003 by two scientists, Small Business Award winner Epichem is now a leading contract drug discovery company exporting products and services to 18 countries.

Epichem’s slogan, ‘Molecules Made to Order’, broadly describes how it uses synthetic and medicinal chemistry expertise to deliver tailor-made products and services for customers, and generate valuable intellectual property (IP). Inventing these previously unknown compounds for the first time on an exclusive basis means the company also generates valuable IP for its clients. Epichem has recently been engaged by a Swiss organization to join in a major global initiative to find a cure for Chagas disease, a neglected parasitic disease affecting approximately 10 million people.

This Award is sponsored by the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research.

Matrix Composites & Engineering Limited (MC&E), winner of the Large Advanced Manufacturer Award, sponsored by the Australian Made Campaign Limited, exports subsea buoyancy products for deepwater exploration and production.

The company exports 90 per cent of its products to the international offshore drilling market in the USA, Malaysia, Singapore, the UK and Korea. MC&E has recently undergone significant expansion in order to meet demand. A facility upgrade and relocation means MC&E’s new manufacturing complex will house one of the largest subsea buoyancy production facilities in the world and will include a world class oilfield equipment servicing and manufacturing hub.

Navitas won the Education and Training Award, sponsored by CPA Australia. Every year, Navitas assists 20,000 students to enter higher education in 30 colleges and universities around Australia and throughout the world, including the USA, the UK, Canada, Kenya, Sri Lanka and Singapore.

The company employs approximately 3,000 staff in Australia and generates over 70 per cent of its revenue in the Australian market. Since 1994, Navitas has contributed well over $1 billion in direct royalties and flow-on student revenues to Australian university partners.

The company is also Australia’s largest provider of English language courses as well as providing migrant settlement services, workforce placement and training and student recruitment services across the country.

ENDS