22 June 2006

Porirua's Radiola Aerospace finds success

Award-winning engineering contractor Radiola Aerospace is finding success overseas, helped by a government market development scheme, Economic Development Minister Trevor Mallard said during a visit to the Porirua company today.

"Radiola is an excellent example of a high-value New Zealand business finding niche markets overseas for its innovative ideas. This company has been supported offshore by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, and it has also received a $100,000 market development assistance grant," Trevor Mallard said.

"The Enterprise Development Grant for Market Development (EDG-MD) provides companies with assistance for international market development initiatives.

"More kiwi exporters will benefit from this scheme which was boosted by an extra $64.2 million over four years in Budget 2006, together with a widening of eligibility.

"This support reflects the Labour-led government's commitment to help more of our companies to become internationally competitive. This is an important part of our work to transform New Zealand into an innovative, export-led, high wage economy.

"Radiola, working with New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, has found markets for its flight inspection services, real time passenger information, and navigations and communications products in Africa, south east Asia, Australia and the Pacific Islands.

"NZTE staff in Dubai recently provided assistance for Radiola’s entry into the Libyan market, where it will begin flight inspection services in August. "

Radiola this month won the 2006 Wellington Region Emerging Gold Award as a small business shining beyond its size and was also named the Export New Zealand Wellington Region Emerging Exporter of the Year. The company last year won the Supreme Business Award and Best Discovering Business Award at the Porirua Business Awards, and it was highly commended by the Defence Industry Committee of New Zealand.

"Radiola has managed this so far with a staff of fewer than 10 people and should be congratulated for its approach to exporting," Trevor Mallard said.

ENDS

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