Multimedia Victoria - High-fibre diet wins Mulgrave
High-fibre diet wins Mulgrave firm Export Award |
| Wednesday, 21 October 2009 |
| Mulgrave firm Future Fibre Technologies has won the Small to Medium Manufacturer category of the prestigious 2009 Governor of Victoria Export Awards. The Minister for Industry & Trade, Martin Pakula, presented the fibre-optic systems producer with its award last night at a gala ceremony at Government House. “Future Fibre Technologies is a start-up company that made it through the 1990s to become a Victorian export success story, making 90% of its sales overseas, from the USA to Europe and the Middle East,” Mr Pakula said. The company spent seven years developing its fibre optic sensors before releasing them onto the market in 2002. “These sensors can detect disturbances, intrusions and defects in structures such as bridges, aircraft and pipelines,” Mr Pakula said. “They can detect illegal tapping in buried oil pipelines over thousands of kilometres, and protect data on communications links.” Another Mulgrave firm, Varian Australia, won three awards, including Victorian Exporter of the Year. Varian produces scientific instruments used in water, soil and air testing. The commendee in the Small to Medium Manufacturer category was Furnace Engineering, located in nearby Notting Hill. Furnace Engineering is Australia’s leading heat-processing equipment manufacturer, exporting to South-East Asia, Europe, the Americas and Africa. “Now in their 30th year, these Awards celebrate Victoria’s export achievers across 13 categories from arts and entertainment, education and training, to small business, manufacturing and agribusiness” Mr Pakula said. “The 2009 Award winners are to be congratulated for overcoming difficult economic conditions to demonstrate the range of achievements still possible in global markets,” he said Mr Pakula said the Brumby Government’s sponsorship of the Awards formed part of its broad-ranging strategy to boost exports and promote a global focus. “Exports of Victorian goods over the 2009 financial year totalled $20.4 billion – only slightly down from the previous year’s $20.5 billion,” Mr Pakula said. “This impressive export result - in light of the global economic downturn - underlines the value of the Victorian Government’s strong focus on helping local industry to increase exports. “We have committed $4.8m over four years to continue the Opening Doors to Export Plan, a further $4.8 million over four years to establish the Export Connections initiative and $1 million over four years for the Victorians Abroad program,” he said. All category winners will now progress to represent Victoria at the national 2009 Australian Export Awards.  |
