Media release
9 November 2012

Winners Named in Auckland West Business Awards

A large manufacturer of wooden pallets last night won the prestigious supreme honour at the 2012 Westpac Auckland West Business Awards, impressing judges with its increasing profitability.

Glendene-based The Pallet Company, which manufactures pallets and crates, won the Westpac Supreme Business Excellence Award after impressing judges with its all round business performance.

It was a big night for the company which won two other awards; Canam Group Excellence in Innovation and Improvement, and Rosebank Business Association Excellence in Sustainable Success Awards.

Chair of judges Chad Wilkie says the company excelled in its awards entry and provided evidence of its increased profitability and revenue.

“The Pallet Company has built steadily over a number of years, demonstrates great leadership, clear strategic aims, and well communicated and executed plans. It has delivered particularly strong outcomes for improved manufacturing processes, and exceeded its tough sales and profit targets,” says Mr Wilkie.

Established in 1995 as a recycler of used wooden pallets, The Pallet Company has grown from a one person operation to employing more than 65 staff. It offers total wooden packaging solutions including heat-treated and fumigated pallets for export, and is a registered supplier to Zespri and Enza.

Managing Director Nick Barton, who started the company when he was 18, believes that with hard work and determination a small idea can grow into a market-leading business.

“It is possible to sustain a successful business throughout economic hardships. Recent years have forced me and my team to think beyond our natural limits seeking improvements that have made The Pallet Company a truly sustainable and successful business,” says Mr Barton.

More than 550 people attended the 18th annual awards ceremony at The Trusts Stadium to acknowledge the winners of the evening’s nine categories and supreme award.

Local awards are run in the west, north and south business communities by Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED). Chief Executive Brett O’Riley believes is an important programme for Auckland.

“The importance of striving for excellence shouldn’t be under estimated as a growth mechanism for businesses. Organisations like this year’s winners provide immense inspiration for other local ventures and improve their own performances throughout the awards entry process,” says Mr O’Riley.

“Congratulations to The Pallet Company and all the winners. They represent the tall kauri of Auckland businesses whose innovation, drive, and all round excellence makes them capable of competing on the international stage, and will in turn help to create a robust and vibrant Auckland economy.”

Ian Blair, General Manager Business Banking for Westpac, the awards’ major sponsor, is impressed with the winners.

“As proud supporters of local, regional and national businesses, Westpac is delighted to be associated with a programme that inspires organisations to strive for and celebrate success. Congratulations to the 2012 winners. We’re sure this is a stepping stone to an even brighter future,” says Mr Blair.
This year’s awards attracted 129 entries from a diverse mix of companies including from the construction, retail, health, and food sectors.

2012 Westpac Auckland West Business Awards – Winners

Westpac Supreme Business Excellence Award
Winner: The Pallet Company Limited

Douglas Pharmaceuticals Excellence in Leadership
Winner: Mani Group of Companies Limited

Airpro Excellence in Strategy and Planning
Winner: Hi-Tech Packaging Limited

Carlton Party Hire Excellence in Customer Engagement
Winner: Plumbing World Limited

UHY Haines Norton Excellence in Information Management
Winner: Freeviewshop

Unitec Excellence in Workforce Development
Winner: WALSH Trust

Canam Group Excellence in Innovation and Improvement
Winner: The Pallet Company Limited

Rosebank Business Association Excellence in Sustainable Success
Winner: The Pallet Company Limited

Corban Revell Lawyers Small Business of the Year
Winner: Kelvin Armstrong Auto Repairs Limited (KAAR)

Alloy Yachts Best Emerging Business
Winner: The Tasting Shed

ENDS

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