Mowers, mulchers and avocados come up trumps

Mowers, mulchers and avocados come up trumps at ANZ Exporter of the Year Awards

Manufacturer and exporter of grass-cutting machinery Trimax Industries Limited mowed down stiff competition to take out the main prize at the ANZ Exporter of the Year Awards in Tauranga last night.

Hosted by Export New Zealand, the ANZ Exporter of the Year Awards recognise the skill and entrepreneurship of emerging and established exporters in the Bay of Plenty region.

Named Sharp Tudhope Exporter of the Year, Trimax Industries exports tractor-mounted mowers and mulchers and multi-spindle rotary mowers to a wide range of markets, including the UK and US. Under Managing Director Bob Sievwright's stewardship, Trimax has grown 80 per cent in the past three years, as exporting has become the company's major focus.

The United Travel of the Mount Emerging Exporter of the Year Award was presented to Tauranga's Avocado Oil NZ Limited, exporter of cold processed extra virgin avocado oil to supermarket chains and the food service industry in Australia and the UK.

The inaugural Taura Export Award was awarded to Mr Rob Jeffreys, Managing Director of livestock and agricultural equipment trader, Jeffco International, for his contribution to export industry groups in the Bay of Plenty region and success in establishing a network of export partners across a range of industry sectors and countries.

ANZ's Head of International Services Mr Graham Mills said the award winners and finalists demonstrated the diversity of products and services New Zealand businesses are taking to the world.

"The awards celebrate the skill and innovation of the Bay of Plenty region's premier exporters. Congratulations to the award winners and finalists who make a significant contribution to our nation's wealth for the benefit of all New Zealanders," said Mr Mills.

President of Export New Zealand Bay of Plenty region Mr Lloyd Guy said the ANZ Exporter of the Year Awards provided an opportunity to recognise strong export strategies, as well as excellence in marketing, foreign exchange growth and quality management.

"Export New Zealand's aim is to develop an environment in which exporters can thrive. By formally recognising the Bay of Plenty's winning exporters through the awards we hope other exporters will learn from their experience and be inspired by their leadership," said Mr Guy.

ANZ and Export New Zealand formed a strategic partnership earlier this year to support the growth and development of the country's export sector. The partnership involves ANZ business managers and the bank's foreign exchange and trade finance specialists working with Export New Zealand to support New Zealand's growing export community.

All nominees and winners of the ANZ Exporter of the Year Awards are based in the Bay of Plenty region.

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