WA manufacturer wins major contract to sell drill rigs in the Philippines

10/7/97

A Western Australian manufacturer has just won a major contract to sell locally-manufactured drill rigs in the Philippines.

The sale, worth more than $1 million, is the latest export for Edson Mining Services, of Maddington.

Commerce and Trade Minister Hendy Cowan, who is currently leading a trade and investment mission to the Philippines, welcomed the sale as an example of growing interest between the two regions.

"There is a growing commitment in WA towards increasing trade with the Philippines," Mr Cowan said.

Edson Mining Services is also an exhibitor at Mining Philippines '97, a major exhibition being held in Manila this week and which was visited by the Minister today.

Edson makes drilling rigs and associated equipment and exports some 70 per cent of its production.

The Philippines machines will join the country's huge minerals exploration efforts, which include the search for gold, copper and other minerals. Western Australian expertise plays a key role in these efforts.

Edson exports to India, South-East Asia and the Pacific. Destinations include Indonesia, India, Malaysia, Laos, Philippines and Burma. The company has been making drilling equipment in WA for some 40 years, and exporting its products for 20 years.

Mr Cowan said the Philippines was potentially a significant new economic partner for WA.

Recently, he launched a new WA Government trade strategy to encourage businesses to expand their trade and investment links with the Philippines.

The strategy document, 'The Philippines - Opportunities for Trade and Investment for Western Australian Companies', identified export potential in many different sectors of the economy.

The current WA trade mission to the Philippines includes senior representatives from the building and construction, food, mining, engineering, shipbuilding, education and environmental management sectors.

Media contact: Peter Jackson 9222 9595