Westland Milk Products Wins Top R&D Award

22 March 2012

Westland Milk Products Wins Top Research And Development Award

Westland Milk Products is delighted to be announced winner of the “Best use of Research and Development in International Business” award at the prestigious 2012 International Business Awards. The company was also a finalist in the categories of “Best business operating internationally – over $50m” and “Best Commercialisation of Intellectual Property in International Business”.

In accepting the award last night in Auckland, Westland Milk Products chief executive Rod Quin said the top award reflected the company’s ongoing commitment to excellence in business and in particular research and development. "Our success both internationally and in New Zealand can be attributed to our talented and committed team who are passionate about taking Westland Milk Products to the next level,” Quin says.

The Westland Milk Products team works directly with customers to create specialised nutritional ingredients and provides ongoing support to deliver sustained value.

“We recognise that innovation is an important means by which our company can add value to our customers as well as maximise returns to our shareholders,” Quin says. “We strongly encourage a direct line of contact between multiple people in our business and our customers’ organisations. This award is a fantastic reflection of our team’s collaborative approach.”

On presenting the award, judges said, “Westland Milk Products tackles R&D with a clear sense of the product’s potential in international markets.”

Quin added, “Winning this award is particularly important as we move towards a portfolio of added value nutritional products. It demonstrates that we can innovate along with the best in New Zealand.”

Westland’s wholly owned subsidiary EasiYo Products was a finalist in its category for “Best Business Operating Internationally – $10m to $50m”. Quin extended his congratulations to EasiYo chief executive Paul O’Brien and his team on its outstanding performance in export markets.

About Westland

Dairy innovator Westland Milk Products is an independent West Coast-based dairy co-operative entering its 75th Jubilee year in 2012. The company was founded in 1937 by the amalgamation of several smaller dairy co-operatives.

In 2001, Westland Milk Products chose to remain independent of newly formed dairy co-operative Fonterra and began marketing its own products internationally. Today, Westland Milk Products manufactures and markets a diverse range of finished products and dairy ingredients ranging from butter and milk powders to advanced nutritional products for the sports and paediatric nutrition markets. In addition the company was recently named finalist in three categories of the 2012 New Zealand International Business Awards, winning the top award for “Best use of Research and Development in International Business”.

Westland Milk Products sources milk from over 330 predominantly West Coast farmer shareholders, with a growing shareholder base in Canterbury. Approximately 85 per cent of the company’s products are exported to more than 40 countries worldwide.

Brought together by the 4 core values of unity, respect, dedication and loyalty, Westland Milk Products employs more than 360 staff between its two sites in Hokitika and Rolleston. Turnover at Westland Milk Products totalled $525 million in 2011, with 515 million litres of milk collected at the farm gate.

Westland Milk Products took full ownership of Auckland based Yogurt manufacturer EasiYo in 2010. Commercialised in 1992 as a private enterprise, EasiYo is the market leader in own-made yogurt and is now available throughout New Zealand, Australia, the UK and in some European countries. Turning over $30m in 2011, EasiYo was also a finalist in its category, Best Business Operating Internationally - $10m to $50m, at the 2012 New Zealand International Business Awards.

About the New Zealand International Business Awards:

The 2012 New Zealand International Business Awards recognise New Zealand businesses operating successfully in international markets. The awards have been developed by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise in partnership with the private sector. They are supported by Strategic Partner ANZ. The awards both acknowledge and encourage success by providing value to all entrants. In addition to a $100,000 Supreme Award prize, the awards feature an evaluation programme that provides feedback to businesses on areas they can work on to become even more competitive.

ENDS

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