EGR top exporter in Queensland - Brief Article

Business Asia, Oct 25, 1999

Brisbane-based auto accessories manufacturer EGR has achieved a double in the 1999 Premier of Queensland's Awards for Export Achievement, winning the title of Queensland Exporter of the Year and the Large Manufacturer category.

The company exports to more than 40 countries. EGR now operates two plants in Brisbane and employs 550 locally and 50 offshore.

The rise of new smart industries drew special commendation from Queensland Premier Peter Beattie.

"We look to innovation in new and traditional industries and to knowledge-based industries of the future to help sustain Queensland's international trading reputation," Beattie said.

Winners in other categories were:

* Emerging Exporter -- Poly Optics Australia Pty Ltd, a Gold Coast-based manufacturer of fibre optic cables and systems;

* Small to Medium Manufacturer -- Claypave Pty Ltd is a Brisbane-based manufacturer of paving tiles which exports to Japan;

* Minerals -- Newlands Coal Pty Ltd increased its production by 53 per cent and profit by 215 per cent despite a weak world coal market;

* Agribusiness -- Grainco Australia Ltd diversified its activities and introduced drought protection methods to increase exports by 42 per cent;

* Information Industries -- Softlink International produces innovative software programs at its Brisbane facility and has developed a specialisation for the international library community;

* Education -- Griffith University has refined its marketing methods and dramatically revised its programs to increase its international student intake by 22 per cent;

* Arts/Entertainment -- Auran Holdings Pty Ltd also won this award last year. The company continues to forge a dominant position for its innovative video game technology in a competitive world market;

* Services -- Cullen Grummit & Roe was another repeat winner, having taken this category out twice before. This Brisbane civil engineering consultancy, specialises in the design of large scale shipping port facilities and cold stores; and

* Export Support -- Queensland Horticultural Institute is a Queensland Government funded research facility dedicated to the eradication of fruit and vegetable pests and diseases.