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WITH a technology that increases the reliability of electricity supplies, NOJA Power Switchgear took top honours again last night at the Premier of Queensland Export Awards 2009 in Brisbane.
The Murarrie-based company sells its medium-voltage switchgear to electric power distributors, the ‘Energexes of the World’ and exports to 70 countries.
NOJA also won the Queensland Exporter of the Year Award in 2007.
Managing director Neil O’Sullivan, says NOJA has experienced almost 100 per cent growth per annum for the last decade with an emphasis on exporting, as well as continued investment and research development.
“NOJA Power’s first ever sale was an export sale. Today more than 90 per cent of our turnover is generated from export revenue and more than 80 jobs have been created in the company that can be directly attributed to our export success,” says O’Sullivan.
“Queensland provides a tremendous platform from which to export, particularly for technology based companies with the local engineering capability that exists in Queensland through the education systems that we have.
“Our key export markets include Africa and the Middle East, Asia, China, Europe, Latin America, NAFTA, the Caribbean and Central America, Pacific/Oceania, the UK and Ireland.”
O’Sullivan says NOJA’s medium voltage circuit breakers act like those in your home, but they detect faults on overhead power lines and respond by opening and closing to restore supply.
He points out that his product is more environmentally friendly as it eliminates the Sulphur hexafluoride gas (SF6) which is found in most circuit breakers.
Premier Anna Bligh says the success of local companies abroad contributes to Queensland’s economy and communities.
“Preliminary trade figures show that the value of Queensland’s merchandise exports increased by 59.5 per cent to a record $56.3 billion dollars in 2008-09 - that’s up $21 billion,” she says.
“Those are impressive figures, especially in these tough economic times.”
NOJA Power also won the Large Advanced Manufacturer Award.
Other Winners:
Agribusiness – Capilano Honey
Arts and Entertainment - Urban Art Projects
Information and Communications Technology - Oniqua Pty Ltd
Education and Training - Griffith University
Minerals and Energy - Wesfarmers Curragh Pty Ltd
Large Services - Ansaldo STS Australia Pty Ltd
Small to Medium Services – Populous
Small Business - Absolute Data Group Pty Ltd
Small to Medium Manufacturer – Triasx Pty Ltd
Emerging Exporter - Synforce (Aust) Pty Ltd
Regional Exporter - Superior Jetties
Dermot McManus Award - Oniqua Pty Ltd
Richard Joel Young Export Entrepreneur - Coral Cay Health
Tom Burns Award - Heat and Control Pty Ltd
Premier’s Special Award - Vernon Ah Kee
Special Export Achievement - Vigil Systems Pty Ltd, Corbett Robotics Pty Ltd, The Fraser Island Company
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