Air NZ Cargo Auckland Export Awards winners announced - Health IT takes Kiwi firm the distance

8 August 2008

Improving patient health through developing software that integrates their records from a range of practitioners is the business of the 2008 Auckland Exporter of the Year - Orion Health.

The Kiwi company’s export growth makes it stand out among a record number of entries in the Air New Zealand Cargo Auckland Export Awards 2008, says awards organizer, Export New Zealand’s Auckland regional president, Lyall Pacey.

The winners are announced at a gala dinner at the Hyatt Regency Auckland hotel tonight (Friday), but they are not to be contacted until after the awards ceremony.

The winners in all four categories are:

Mondiale Freight Services Auckland Exporter of the Year (at least 20 per cent of revenue is from exports, administered from Auckland, and with outstanding foreign exchange growth).

• Orion Health Ltd -provides healthcare solutions and software which are used to help deliver improved patient care and support clinical decision making across healthcare facilities, organisations and regions, Mt Eden.

Other finalists in the category were:

• FrameCAD Solutions Ltd - end to end integration of design, detailing and manufacture of steel framing for the rapid construction of commercial and residential buildings, Parnell
• Endace Measurement Systems Ltd - IT solutions that capture, inspect and report on every aspect of customers’ networks, eg, monitors the performance of financial transactions and voice IP and inspects Internet traffic, Manukau City central
• A-Ward Attachments Ltd - designs and manufactures equipment for the demolition, recycling and construction industries, eg, specialised excavator attachments and loaders, Penrose

DB Breweries Auckland Emerging Exporter of the Year Award (exporting for less than three years)

• Euro Corporation Ltd - wire fencing design and manufacture, East Tamaki.

Other finalists in this category were:

• Egg Partnership - design and export of high-end maternity wear, Auckland City central
• CPS (NZ) Ltd - supplier of pressure gauges and pressure calibration equipment, Onehunga
• GMP Pharmaceuticals Ltd - one-stop shop for nutraceutical requirements including restricted animal products, halal certified products and organic foods, East Tamaki

QBE Insurance Consultants and Services Export Award (consulting services to offshore clients or support to New Zealand export businesses)

• Beca Group Ltd - professional services in architecture, engineering, planning, project management, surveying and valuations to clients globally, Auckland City central.

Other finalists in this category were:

• Visibility Systems Ltd - assists exporters by improving the customer service experience, eg, provides up-to-date information on customer transactions, Penrose
• Marinescape Projects Ltd - designs and builds large aquariums, Grey Lynn
• The Sweet Shop - media production company, Eden Terrace

Ports of Auckland Deal of the Year (closing a successful export deal securing a strong market position)

• Flotech Ltd - designs, manufactures, installs and services customised plant, eg, heat transfer equipment, Mangere.

Other finalists in this category were:

• Marinescape Projects Ltd - aquarium design and build, as above
• BCS Group Ltd - materials handling and plant automation, eg, baggage and materials handling in airports, Albany

Exporter of the Year, Orion Health, has been exporting for 15 years and has grown staff numbers from five to 300 worldwide.

Now, 82% of the company’s revenue comes from export sales in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Australia. The company is growing at 20-40% per year, enabling it to invest in research and development and generate new jobs at its headquarters, and development hub, in Auckland.

Convenor of the 11 judges Hugh Cronwright, general manager New Zealand of Yetimo Marketing Ltd says, "Orion Health CEO Ian McCrae established the company in 1993 and it is now the largest NZ owned software exporter in the country. Orion Health is enjoying steady growth in what is a $70 billion total market, and is clearly a credit to New Zealand.

"Euro Corporation is recognized as an industry leader in wire fencing solutions and has worked hard to earn the respect of the international wire market with its uncompromising standards, in both manufacture of their products and their dedication to customer service.

"Their continuous investments in people, plant and technology are what have taken them to the cutting edge of the global wire fence market.

"Flotech epitomizes the Kiwi export spirit. In a little over 20 years it has become a major player and world leader in supplying NZ designed and fabricated equipment for heat transfer, oil field, refinery and gas processing , for example. The company has offices in Sweden, Singapore and Australia.

"Over the past few years Flotech has secured several high profile, substantial value contracts in compression and biogas. In November through its subsidiary Green Lane Biogas, it was awarded the Euro 42 million contract to build the world’s largest biogas upgrading system in Germany.

"The Beca Group operates on a truly global basis with 19 offices in eight countries. Its development of four key strategies has ensured continued growth of the business. These are its employee ownership model, partnering with leading international firms, expanding internationally and pursuing technical excellence and innovation.

"Judges were impressed by Beca’s commitment to developing long-term relationships with clients and the passion for growing exports for New Zealand."

Mr Pacey says, "Despite the global economic downturn, these often niche New Zealand companies are cutting it with the best around the world. They have found what works in a small country like ours, despite skills shortages and small markets here, and they are not only surviving but thriving.

"It’s certain we have a great future in ideas and communication evidenced in this range of products and services. They are a showcase of some of New Zealand’s best businesses."

Export New Zealand - Auckland is now a division of the Employers and Manufacturers Association Northern

Source: Export New Zealand