A world-leading supplier of operator training simulators, considered vital to key mining companies in more than 20 countries, has received the major award in this year's WA Industry and Export Awards.
Premier Colin Barnett announced Perth-based company Immersive Technologies Pty Ltd as the winner of the Premier's Award for Excellence at the official award ceremony held last night.
Immersive Technologies' simulators increase safety and efficiency while decreasing maintenance costs and mining companies overall cost per tonne.
Mr Barnett said the company was a great example of a local business making a valuable contribution to Western Australia's economic development.
"Immersive Technologies has captured a significant share of the global market in the mining equipment and services sector," he said.
"They are known throughout the world for their innovative technology. Countries including Australia, the United States of America, South Africa, Jordan and South America have used their simulator modules to train their staff.
"The Liberal-National Government is very aware of the importance of our export capability and capacity; we are responsible for 36 per cent of Australian total exports.
"It's outstanding to see a local company like Immersive Technologies building new market opportunities not only within Australia but internationally, by making their mark in other markets including India, Europe and the Middle East."
The Premier said that with many pressures on the Australian manufacturing sector it was important to remain internationally competitive and Immersive Technologies commitment to excellence had been recognised through the prestigious award.
The WA Industry and Export Awards, now celebrating its 20-year anniversary, also featured 15 industry and export categories.
All the State's export category winners automatically compete as finalists in the Australian Export Awards, to be held in Melbourne in December.
The 2008 awards, administered by the Department of Industry and Resources, are sponsored by Austrade, Australia Post, Australia and New Zealand Banking Group, Export Finance and Insurance Corporation, Fremantle Ports, Jackson McDonald, Rio Tinto and The West Australian newspaper.
The Australian Institute of Export, Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA, Chamber of Minerals and Energy and UnionsWA endorsed the awards.
Category winners:
· Premier's Award for Excellence - Immersive Technologies Pty Ltd
INDUSTRY AWARDS
· C.Y. O'Connor for Excellence in Engineering - Micromine Pty Ltd
Based in Nedlands, the company is a world leading innovator of mining software, producing dynamic solutions for collecting, managing and integrating information in the exploration and mineral resources industry.
Special Commendation - Resonance Health Analysis Services Pty Ltd
· Marketing and Design Excellence Award - Anchor Foods
The company which is based in Fremantle, is wholly WA owned and competing very successfully across all sales channels in the national food industry.
· Innovation Excellence Award - Neptune Marine Services Limited
Based in Perth, the company is a leading provider of integrated engineering solutions to the international oil and gas, marine and renewable energy industries.
Special Commendation - SmartBurn Pty Ltd
EXPORT CATEGORIES
· Emerging Exporter Award - Silver Trowel Trade Training Pty Ltd
Based in Cannington, the company is a leading provider of quality education and training in the building and construction industry.
· Small Business Export Award - Wild Child WA Pty Ltd
Wild Child, based in Nedlands, develops and markets innovative health care products from nature derived active ingredients.
Special Commendation - MetroCount
· Small to Medium Manufacturing Export Award - Divex Asia Pacific Pty Ltd
Based in Henderson, the company is a world-leading manufacturer and supplier of diving and sub-sea equipment for the military, professional and commercial diving sectors.
· Large Advanced Manufacturer Export Award - Strategic Marine Pty Ltd
Strategic Marine, based in Fremantle, is a dynamic State-based shipbuilding company which produces quality, high performance commercial vessels for markets across the globe.
· Information and Communication Technology Export Award - Micromine Pty Ltd
· Agribusiness Export Award - Craig Mostyn Group
Based in Fremantle, the company is a successful and diversified food, agribusiness and logistics company servicing more than 60 countries worldwide.
Special Commendation - Salitage Wines
· Services Export Award - ThinkSmart Limited
Based in Nedlands, the company is a leading international financial services company that is focused on the delivery of B2B finance products through the retail store environment.
· Minerals and Energy Export Award - Alcoa of Australia
Alcoa, based in Kwinana, operates the world's largest integrated bauxite mining, alumina refining and aluminium smelting system in Australia.
Special Commendation - Panoramic Resources Limited
· Education and Training Export Award - Immersive Technologies Pty Ltd
· Regional Exporter Award - Salitage Wines
The first winery in Pemberton, Salitage Wines was founded in 1988 and exports wines to 20 countries.
· Hall of Fame - Craig Mostyn Group
Premier's office: 9222 9475
