Quality Assurance certification presented to Canning Vale Weaving Mills

25/1/95

The willingness of Western Australian manufacturers to adopt quality assurance procedures was being rewarded on export markets, Commerce and Trade Minister Hendy Cowan said today.

"There is no doubt that WA is becoming 'quality conscious', as evidenced by the growth in the number of companies achieving authorised quality accreditation," Mr Cowan said during a presentation ceremony at Canning Vale Weaving Mills.

"In the mid-1980s, there were fewer than 10 quality-certified companies in this State.

"Today we have more than 600, which by any measure is a spectacular achievement.

"Ten years ago manufactured goods represented less than two per cent of WA's total exports, but today the figure is more than nine per cent.

"Manufactured exports contributed $1.4 billion to the State's economy last financial year, compared with just $200 million in 1984-85.

"Figures like these demonstrate how much the WA economy has diversified."

Mr Cowan commended the achievement of Canning Vale Weaving Mills - one of the latest WA companies to achieve quality accreditation.

He said the company had been part of the WA textile scene for 18 years and had a long-standing reputation for quality products and service.  That commitment was now being formalised with the relevant Australian and international quality assurance accreditation.

Quality assurance involved all stages of the production process.

"Based on the experience of other companies, Canning Vale Weaving Mills can anticipate cost savings, productivity increases and enhanced market access as a direct result of this certification," Mr Cowan said.

The company had expanded its export operations during a period of reduced Commonwealth protection for the textile industry and now sold its towelling products in Europe, Japan and South-East Asia.

Mr Cowan said that QA certification was being recognised increasingly throughout industry as being important for export success.

"It is especially important given the opportunities available for manufactured and service exports in South-East Asia and the static nature of many traditional commodity markets," he said.

"However, achieving Quality Assurance can be an expensive and time-consuming process for businesses. The State Government, through the Department of Commerce and Trade and the NIES - Better Business Program (which is a joint State/Commonwealth initiative) can help companies through the process."

Media contact:  Will Henwood 222 9595 

Canning Vale Weaving Mills Managing Director Frank Prainito 455 2922