Skellerup Industries Ltd wins Specialised Manufacturing Exporter of the Year Award

November 30, 2006

Skellerup Industries Ltd, an iconic Kiwi brand that is also a sophisticated international business, manufacturing and marketing superior rubber and polymer products and with exports in excess of $53 million annually, has won the Specialised Manufacturing Exporter of the Year Award.

The Award was presented to Skellerup at the 2006 New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) Export Awards in Auckland on Thursday 30 November. Specialised Manufacturing was one of seven sector awards presented, with the top prize, the DHL Supreme Exporter of the Year, won by Opus International Consultants.

The Awards’ judges said Skellerup was transforming its business model from a New Zealand operation to an international business with manufacturing capabilities in China and customers throughout the world. “They have been very successful in diversifying products and moving to high value polymer industries.”

NZTE Chief Executive Tim Gibson said the calibre and achievements of this year’s Export Award winners was outstanding and inspirational.

"They are building world class companies by continually striving to take their business to the next level. And despite the diverse areas they work in, they share common strengths, including confidence, visionary leadership and the ability to do what they do extraordinarily well."

He said the companies proved that coming from a distant country of just four million people was no impediment to winning in the tough international business arena.

"We celebrate their achievements and the valuable contribution they are making to the New Zealand economy."

Established in Christchurch almost 100 years ago, Skellerup has developed a vast portfolio of rubber products and vacuum pumps which are used in a growing range of applications in industries throughout the world, including agricultural, mining, industrial and liquid waste. Products include rubber liners and tubing for milking machines, flashing for sealing pipes on steel roofs, closed cell foam for ski boots and waterski bindings, gumboots, and vacuum pumps.

Chief Operating Officer Mike McKessar said following its public listing in 2002, Skellerup embarked on an ambitious export growth strategy which has resulted in a 50 per cent increase in international sales in the two years to 2005, to $53 million.

Skellerup’s export strategy is based on organic growth and the acquisition of businesses or products that are closely aligned to its existing core businesses.

The organic growth strategy includes broadening Skellerup’s brand base by investing in strong branded products; using its technical intellectual property in new markets and new niche segments; and encouraging new and innovative products and formulations. Its Woolston operation recently established a stand-alone R&D department to drive innovation.

Mr McKessar says a Skellerup product might only be a small part of a customer’s whole process, but it’s typically critical to its quality and performance. And he says Skellerup’s technical expertise and manufacturing flexibility mean it’s able to respond quickly to customers’ requirements.

Last year Skellerup set up a new manufacturing facility in China which has enabled it to remain competitive in the manufacture of various products, including gumboots and vacuum pumps. The low cost manufacturing advantage is also helping the company develop significant new business in international markets where it’s struggled to compete in the past.

Contact: Mike McKessar, Chief Operating Officer, phone +64 3 389 9189, email mckessarm@skellerup.co.nz  www.skellerup.co.nz

Notes for editors:

The Export Awards celebrate their 40th anniversary in 2006. A historical briefing and more information including profiles of all of this year’s finalists and media information on individual sector category winners is available at www.exportawards.co.nz 

Interviews can be arranged through Jennifer Andrewes, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, phone +64 4 931 6144, mobile 027 228 0261, or email jennifer.andrewes@nzte.govt.nz

Photographs representing Skellerup Industries Ltd are available on request to Jennifer Andrewes.

About NZTE:

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise is the government's economic development agency, committed to helping New Zealand businesses grow their international competitiveness, capability and profitability. Visit www.nzte.govt.nz or www.exportawards.co.nz

About DHL:

DHL is the global market leader of the international express and logistics industry, specialising in providing innovative and customized solutions from a single source.
DHL offers expertise in express, air and ocean freight, overland transport, contract logistic solutions as well as international mail services, combined with worldwide coverage and an in-depth understanding of local markets. DHL's international network links more than 220 countries and territories worldwide.  285,000 employees are dedicated to providing fast and reliable services that exceed customers' expectations.

DHL is a Deutsche Post World Net brand. The group generated revenues of €56 billion in 2005.

About the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology (FRST):

The Foundation for Research, Science and Technology invests over $460 million a year on behalf of the New Zealand Government, in research, science and technology. These investments are made to enhance the wealth and well being of New Zealanders.

Through its Technology New Zealand suite of schemes, the Foundation assists companies to undertake research and development projects that result in new export-focused products, processes or services. Investment from the Foundation, in the form of grants, is directed at supporting technical risk and the building of technical skills and expertise in companies.

For more information visit www.frst.govt.nz

About Export New Zealand (ENZ) - The association of New Zealand exporters:

ENZ is a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO), not for profit incorporated society with national coverage. ENZ specifically focuses on helping its membership of exporters and exporter service providers grow their business in the international market place. ENZ has an elected National Executive and CEO with well established regions in Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Wellington and Christchurch providing the important regional presence and focus that ensures local needs are understood and met.  ENZ specifically acknowledges new export success with the Emerging Exporter Award.  This year, five regional finalists will compete for The Export New Zealand Emerging Exporter of the year award, to be presented at the NZTE Gala Awards evening in November.

For more information visit www.exportnewzealand.org.nz

Distributed by Jennifer Andrewes, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, phone +64 4 931 6144, mobile +64 27 228 0261, or email jennifer.andrewes@nzte.govt.nz