Crystal gazing paying off

Media statement Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Crystal gazing paying off

You can't see Rakon company's products, hidden as they are in your cellphone, and GPS in the car, on the boat and other devices taken for granted by consumers and industry around the world.

But Rakon has done such a great job of making and selling its products and growing its business, it has won the Supreme Award at the Air New Zealand Cargo Export Awards Auckland 2011 announced last Friday.

The Auckland company's tiny, precision, quartz crystal oscillators, for example, are at the heart of almost all electronic circuits. Their superior stability in GPS systems enables the devices to locate, track, lock and acquire satellite signals.

To be eligible for the Supreme Award the company also had to win one of the six category awards: Rakon is the Endace Hi-Tech Exporter of the Year Award 2011.

The awards judges commended Rakon for its strong revenue growth through the global financial downturn since 2008; for successfully identifying new market requirements, and expanding both its volume of output and the range of products marketed worldwide from its international headquarters in Mt Wellington.

The other category winners are:

Westpac Exporter of the Year (total sales over $35million): Sistema Plastics

Sistema Plastics based in Albany produces a range of leading edge food storage containers and drink bottles for the consumer market under the Klip It brand. Theirs is a design-led approach for today's fashionable kitchens.

Sistema invest heavily in design, branding and marketing of their products featured by global retailers such as Macey's and JC Penney in the US, Waitrose, Costco and Sainsburys in the UK, and all major Australian and New Zealand supermarkets.

Sistema is determined to use the "Made in New Zealand" label as a marketing advantage.

Constant development of new products, reinvestment in manufacturing capacity and in their marketing has resulted in spectacular sales growth over the past three years.

Sistema is a fantastic example of a New Zealand manufacturer taking high quality products to the world's consumers.

QBE Insurance Exporter of the Year (total sales under $35m): EasiYo Products Ltd

EasiYo Products Ltd based in Albany produces make-your-own yoghurt and ice-cream in sachets, and toppings.

The judges said Easiyo is New Zealand's and the world's biggest brand of "own" made yogurt. The company has sales offices in the UK and Australia as well as locally.

EasiYo uses milk powder from Westland Milk Products - an independent co-operative dairy company - adding a special freeze-dried probiotic culture, for make at-home preparations of fresh, nutritious and tasty yoghurt.

A unique, innovative product range supplies top-end markets in the UK and Australia based on considerable in-market research.

Distribution is on a direct basis primarily to niche retailers. Easiyo's major promotional tool is in-store promotions direct to retail consumers.

The judges were impressed with the straightforward manufacturing and home preparation process that leads to an exceptional value-add. The company also has considerable additional capacity available to significantly expand export sales.

The company's standout community involvement is another highlight: it delivers Easiyo yoghurt free to several low decile schools.

TNT Express Emerging Exporter of the Year Invivo Wines NZ Ltd

Invivo Wines NZ based in central Auckland makes wine from grapes contract grown in New Zealand for sale locally and in nine other countries. Invivo's wine label, is designed by fashion brand Zambesi to catch the attention of retail shoppers.

The judges said Invivo has worked hard on their unique marketing model, capturing the public's attention with a range of distinctive promotions. They have also aligned themselves strongly with the arts, and are a supporter of Zambesi in the annual New Zealand fashion awards.

DB Breweries Deal of the Year BCS Group Ltd

BCS Group Ltd based in Albany makes logistics hardware, automation controls and software for airports, freight and industrial customers in more than 30 countries.

BCS employs 280 staff at sites including six Australian cities, Malaysia and North America. Their expertise lies in logistics hardware, automation controls and elegant software solutions underpinned by a companywide commitment to innovation making BCS supplier of choice to airports, freight and industrial customers around the world.

The Deal nominated for Awards was the winning of the contract awarded by Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad to BCS to supply the complete baggage handling, departures and arrival systems, including automation controls and software for the new KLIA2 low cost carrier terminal in Kuala Lumpur. It was won against global competitors. Key factors included getting close to the client from the design phase, and BCS portfolio of innovative products and software complemented by lateral thinking to improve the original concepts, reduce costs, and lift operational efficiency.

Baldwins Intellectual Property Consultants & Services Exporter of the Year Academic Colleges Group Ltd

The judges said Academic Colleges Group (ACG) focuses on delivering excellent academic outcomes and superior service. Founded in 1994, ACG now owns and operates schools with over 5,000 students and 500 teaching staff, and has over 2,000 international students from over 40 countries studying in New Zealand and at its schools in Viet Nam and Indonesia.

In 2010, ACG reached total sales of $80 million with half generated from overseas. Export earnings in the past three years have grown at around 25 per cent per annum. Further market developments are underway in Australia, the Middle East and Asia.

The judges were impressed with ACG's uncompromising approach to quality underpinned by a highly effective head office operation and consistent policies and procedures across all facilities. They said this is an extremely well-run company, with a strong policy framework and a carefully planned strategy for sustainable growth, a stand-out for this export award.

**** Convener of Judges Hugh Cronwright said: "Despite the ongoing economic stresses around the world, New Zealand exporters continue to battle on and win against remarkable competition.

"One of the key attributes shining through over and over again is the amazing innovation our exporters are delivering, along with excellent customer service and in-market support," Mr Cronwright said. "For instance, though wine is hardly a new export, Invivo has taken a very different approach in both its marketing and winemaking.

"Plastic lunch boxes: almost every home in New Zealand has them, and exports from Sistema are growing rapidly due to clever design, attractive styling, and good branding and marketing.

"The opportunity to celebrate the brilliance and real entrepreneurship of our exporters does not come around often.

"The judges wholeheartedly congratulate all the finalists, the award category winners, and in fact all those who entered.

"Every entrant had a great story to tell, and all of them have every reason to be proud of their achievements. The country desperately needs more of your kind!"

ends

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