Finalist list unveiled for next month’s Australian Export Awards

Eighty-eight finalists – each a winner at their state or territory export awards – have been named for the Australian Export Awards, with winners to be announced at a November 20 gala dinner event.

In a statement on Tuesday, federal trade minister Don Farrell said the field for the upcoming awards collectively employed over 24,300 people and generated almost $8 billion in export earnings last financial year.

“Every product and service that we export to the world represents thousands of stable, well-paying Australian jobs,” added Farrell.

The awards, presented by the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), are currently in their 62nd year.

Profiles of finalists across all 13 categories can be accessed here.

Below is a list of the Manufacturing and Advanced Materials category finalists, reproduced from the awards website.

Australian Blue Cypress 

Holtze (Larrakia), Northern Territory

Australian Blue Cypress (ABC) manufactures a unique essential oil at its facility on the outskirts of Darwin. The company uses an endemic tree called the Callitris intratropica, commonly known as the Australian Blue Cypress Pine.

ABC uses a processing method that is under patent. It is currently the only manufacturer that can achieve the true-blue colour that maintains the unique qualities of the oil. Callitris intratropica oil is used in a wide range of products, from skincare and cosmetics to insect deterrent sprays.

Centor

Eagle Farm (Meeanjin), Queensland

Centor is a leading manufacturer of hardware and screens for architectural patio doors. 

Centor designs solutions to better connect its customers to the world outside. Its products include a range of hardware, screens and shades specifically designed to integrate into external patio doors and windows. It engineers and manufactures robust componentry that is built to last, but simple to install. The company’s products encourage the use of natural light and ventilation, reducing the reliance on air-conditioning.

Conflux Technology

Waurn Ponds (Wathaurong), Victoria

Heat exchangers are crucial components used across various industries. They optimise machine performance by managing thermal energy transfer.

Conflux Technology is dedicated to advancing heat exchange through Additive Manufacturing (AM) technology. Compared to traditional manufacturing, AM heat exchangers deliver higher performance and better efficiency in lighter, smaller packages.

Matrix Composites & Engineering 

Henderson (Whadjuk), Western Australia

Matrix Composites & Engineering specialises in advanced material technology solutions for the energy, mining and defence industries.  

Headquartered in Henderson, Western Australia, Matrix is home to Australia’s largest, most technologically advanced composite manufacturing facility. It also hosts the largest hyperbaric test centre in the Southern Hemisphere. The company leads the global market in syntactic foam technology, renowned for its buoyancy, strength and corrosion resistance.

Muir Engineering

Kingston (Nipaluna), Tasmania

Muir Engineering specialises in marine equipment for vessels of all sizes and applications. 

The business offers reliable, high-performance equipment that can withstand the harsh conditions of the marine environment. By providing top-of-the-line winches, windlasses, anchoring systems and accessories, Muir Engineering empowers maritime professionals to operate safely and efficiently on the water.

REDARC

Lonsdale (Kaurna), South Australia

REDARC is a family-owned, world-leading manufacturer of advanced automotive electronics.

The company drives mobility, discovery, and exploration, catering to those with adventurous spirits. Its solutions enable off-grid exploration, support critical missions, and enhance safety in the industrial, transport and mining sectors. With a focus on innovation, research and development, its products can be fitted to anything with a battery that moves.

TNA solutions

Boronia (Wurundjeri), New South Wales

TNA solutions is a single-source, complete solutions partner for food manufacturers. The company offers innovative technology solutions for the global food industry. Its systems are designed to help customers increase their production efficiency and output while reducing downtime, labour costs and energy consumption.

The company’s comprehensive range includes systems for processing, cooling, packaging, labelling, distribution, verification and end-of-line solutions. It has installed 14,000 processing and packaging systems in 120 countries over 42 years.

Picture: credit REDARC