Sweet smell of success for Mt Romance

24/10/03
Becoming the world's largest processor of sandalwood and establishing a clientele that includes the world's great fragrance houses has helped Albany's Mt Romance to earn the coveted Premier's Award for Excellence in the 2003 Western Australian Industry and Export Awards.
Agriculture Minister Kim Chance, on behalf of Premier Geoff Gallop, tonight presented Mt Romance with the major prize in this prestigious awards program during a special gala night at the Burswood Ballroom.
In a clean sweep, Mt Romance also won the Regional Exporter of the Year Award and the Small to Medium Manufacturer Export Award, and is now a finalist in the National Export Awards to be held in Sydney in December.
"Mt Romance is to be congratulated for achieving the Premier's Award for Excellence which recognises the efforts the company has made to rapidly increase its export markets through collaborative relationships, technological breakthroughs, and the development of new products for a myriad of markets and end-uses," Mr Chance said.
Company turnover has trebled over the past three years, with the focus now on reaching ever-higher revenue targets and net profits.
Mt Romance won the Regional Exporter of the Year category in 2002, Design of the Year in 1999 and New Exporter of the Year in 1996.
The Western Australian Industry and Export Awards are the leading business awards in the State, with the Premier's Award for Excellence being awarded by members of the judging panel for outstanding performance and overall excellence.
Winners of the Export categories will represent the State in the Australian Export Awards in December.
Other category winners in this year's awards were:
Industry Award Recipients

• C Y O'Connor Award for Excellence in Engineering and Technology

Almos Systems Pty Ltd
With export earnings now exceed $5.7million, Almos is a world leader in the engineering and technology of meteorological systems to the aviation and meteorology sectors. These products include automatic weather stations, low-level windsheer systems and satellite processing systems. They are new, innovative and manufactured in Osborne Park to strict civil aviation and world meteorological standards.

• Marketing and Design Excellence Award

Gold Corporation
The opening of new coin and blank manufacturing facilities next to the original Mint building has added a new dimension to Gold Corporation's operations. This high-tech environment provides computer-controlled manufacturing technology, while also preserving the time-honoured hand-engraving skills of talented craftspeople. New designs include the 'Square' Kookaburra coin and the HRH Prince William of Wales 21st Birthday Coin.

• Special commendation - Messages on Hold

• Small Business Management Excellence Award

Lord and Company
Lord and Company patent and trade mark attorneys are passionate about the need to nurture ideas, whether generated locally or overseas. They sponsor various innovation award programs and maintain close ties with industry. Now in its 25th year, the company is currently handling a surge of local work, reflecting the strong spirit of innovation residing here in WA.

• Emerging Exporter Award

Ozgene Pty Ltd
The 'Ozgene' name has become an internationally recognised brand name in the field of genetically modified (GM) mice and rats. In January, 2003, Ozgene made a substantial inroad into the US market, winning a $1.5million contract to supply GM mouse services for 12 months to two major health and research agencies.

• Special Commendation - Palandri Ltd

Small to Medium Manufacturers Export Award
Mt Romance Australia Pty Ltd

• Special Commendation - Tieline

• Large Advanced Manufacturers Export Award

Image Marine
Originating as a manufacturer of fishing vessels for the local market, Image Marine is now generating 100 per cent of its sales revenue from exports. The company differentiated itself in the world marketplace by offering a product that was tailor-made to individual client needs. The Image Marine brand is now synonymous with quality and commitment to personalised client service.

• Special Commendation - Aqua Technics

• Agribusiness Export Award

Kailis & France Foods Group
Kailis & France is the only value-added food factory/processor of its kind in the world. Its focus is international and its export success has created a high profile for WA produce in general. The company has captured premium markets around the globe, including Selfridges and other illustrious names in gourmet food retailing.

• Special Commendation - Cambinata Yabbies

• Information and Communications Technology Export Award

Commtech Wireless
Commtech Wireless have developed a messaging platform called BASEPage2000, designed for Microsoft Windows?. BASEPage2000 integrates with many third-party systems such as fire alarms, nurse call and security systems. With 3,500 sites installed in 46 countries, Commtech is revolutionising the way businesses send messages.

• Special Commendations - FTR Pty Ltd and Ripple Systems Pty Ltd

• Minerals and Energy Industry Export Award

Robe Rive Mining Co Pty Ltd
Australia's third largest exporter of iron ore, Robe River Mining Company has expanded its supply capacity to the global steel industry by some 60 per cent. The main catalyst to this growth has been the development of Marra Mamba iron ore from the West Angelas mine.

• Services Export Award

Marine & Offshore Group Pty Ltd
Marine & Offshore Group Pty Ltd delivers a range of safety training programs to the oil, gas and maritime industries, including some of the world's largest exploration and development companies. Through its Marine Division, the company also provides specialised safety training to maritime authorities and shipping companies.

• Education Export Award

Phoenix English Language Academy

• Arts and Entertainment Export Award

Storyteller Media Group Pty Ltd
Storyteller, with its high-quality television documentaries has won a total of 32 international and Australian awards over the past 14 years. The company specialises in natural and historical documentaries to suit a wide range of interests and ages. It has recently completed international co-productions such as 'Dogs of Peace', a documentary about the bomb-sniffing dogs of Afghanistan with Heather Mills McCartney.

• Tourism Export Award

Burswood International Resort Casino
As a unique, multi-service tourism drawcard located at Perth's gateway, Burswood is WA's most successful tourism exporter. Using an integrated marketing mix to attract overseas visitors, they are well catered for by a multi-lingual workforce. Burswood is continually expanding, adding a new 300-room, 3 ? star hotel by the end of 2004 and a new riverfront community adjacent to the Resort.

• Regional Exporter of the Year Award

Mt Romance Australia Pty Ltd
Special Commendation - Cambinata Yabbies
The Industry and Export Awards has been sponsored by Austal Ships, Austrade, Bankwest, Department of Industry and Resources, Ernst and Young, export Solutions, Sun Microsystems Australia and The West Australian Newspapers.