November 16, 2007
New Zealand’s top exporter in Export Year 2007 is IBEX Group of Companies, a specialised manufacturer and technology provider that has achieved phenomenal international growth after deciding to take charge of its own destiny.
IBEX outperformed 22 other finalists to be named the DHL Supreme Exporter of the Year at the New Zealand Export Awards, presented at Auckland’s Sky City Convention Centre on 15 November. IBEX also won the Specialised Manufacturing Exporter of the Year Award.
The Auckland company has increased turnover by 2500 percent in three years, almost all in exports, with the biggest growth coming from IBEX Technologies and the sale of its chilling, freezing and sorting systems to the international food processing industry – each of these systems is worth between $1 million and $7 million.
The Export Awards judges said with visionary leadership IBEX has redesigned itself and is getting substantial exporting results in terms of its business growth.
“There is a significant strength in the company’s ability around product development, innovation and managing value creation for their international customers.”
IBEX was established in 1983 by CEO Jonathan Engle’s father. The initial business developed from imports and distribution of agency lines and complementary consumables for abattoirs in the New Zealand meat industry.
“Four years ago we said this wasn’t what we wanted to do,” said Jonathan Engle. “We wanted to control our own destiny and when we looked at the business we saw numerous opportunities.”
The focus changed to export and the company restructured into two entities – IBEX Technologies, providing freezing, chilling and sorting technologies for international food processing firms; and IBEX Industries, a manufacturer of innovative powered hand tool technologies for the global meat, fish and poultry processing industries.
The change in focus has achieved exceptional revenue growth, which Mr Engle said had been “quite a ride”.
NZTE Chief Executive Tim Gibson congratulated the seven 2007 Export Award winners, describing their achievements as inspirational.
“In Export Year 2007 the standard of the New Zealand Export Awards are as high as ever. We had a record number of finalists from the largest ever pool of applicants, and the winners are quite simply outstanding.
“Often we at NZTE are told that we should be doing more offshore to find opportunities for New Zealand. There is no shortage of opportunities for New Zealand businesses; there is though a shortage of New Zealand companies with the ability or the aspiration to be exporters and to operate internationally. That’s why it is so important to celebrate those who succeed.
“These companies represent a vibrant mix of successful export businesses; companies that have identified a gap in the marketplace and cultivated their point of difference to produce and distribute quality goods effectively in international markets, using a variety of business models.
“We need to see more New Zealand businesses following their lead and operating internationally in order to increase our global business footprint.
“My congratulations to all the finalists in this year’s Awards and my thanks for your willingness to stand up and stand out among your peers.”
DHL is the major sponsor of the Export Awards, and Tim Gibson thanked them for their ongoing commitment to New Zealand’s exporters.
General Manager DHL, Derek Anderson, congratulated the 2007 Export Awards winners for their outstanding successes, and said they are great role models for our future achievers. He said DHL is a proud partner of the New Zealand Export Awards.
“Identifying ‘home grown’ corporate role models and celebrating our most successful and innovative exporters is an important aspect of facilitating the export culture in New Zealand. DHL is extremely proud to support such competitive and leading-edge players in today’s dynamic global marketplace.”
The New Zealand Export Awards are a fitting finale for Export Year 2007, recognising the contribution New Zealand’s best export companies make to our prosperity. Four individuals were recognised at the awards for their efforts in opening up new industries to exporting, or underpinning sectors of the economy. The four long-standing exporters were recognised and celebrated with Export Year 2007 Honorary Awards.
In addition, Export New Zealand presented their National Emerging Exporter of the Year, and the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology presented their Technology Commendations. There was also an acknowledgement of the Tourism Industry Supreme Award winner.
2007 New Zealand Export Awards winners:
Supreme Exporter of the Year and Specialised Manufacturing Exporter of the YearIBEX Group of Companies, Auckland
Agritech, Life Sciences and Biotechnology Exporter of the YearNew Zealand Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Palmerston North
Creative and Design Exporter of the Yearphil&teds Most Excellent Buggy Company Ltd, Wellington
Education Exporter of the YearBIOZONE International Ltd, Hamilton
Food & Beverage Exporter of the YearYarrows (The Bakers) Limited, Manaia, Taranaki
Information, Communications & Technology Exporter of the YearEndace, Auckland (head office), Hamilton (product development)
Services Exporter of the YearLes Mills International, Auckland
Export Year 2007 Honorary Awards
Bill Gallagher
Wendy Pye
Richard Taylor
Sir Angus Tait (posthumously)
Note that separate media releases have been issued with more detail on these award winners.
Notes for Editors:
This is one of a series of eight media releases with detail of all seven category winners and the DHL Supreme Award winner.
More information on all of the finalists including images is available at www.exportawards.co.nz
Contact: Jonathan Engle, CEO, IBEX Group, phone 09 274 2370, email j.engle@ibex.net.nz, www.ibex.net.nz
Distributed by Jennifer Andrewes, Corporate Communications Manager, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, phone +64 4 931 6144, mobile +64 27 228 0261, or email jennifer.andrewes@nzte.govt.nz
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