Advanced manufacturer ANCA has been named Exporter of the Year at the 53^rd annual Australian Export Awards in Melbourne tonight. 

Trade and Investment Minister Andrew Robb made the announcement at a gala ceremony, held to honour the achievements of Australian businesses in international markets.

“I’m delighted to present ANCA with the Australian Exporter of the Year award for their outstanding success in manufacturing innovative advanced machinery that’s in increasingly high demand around the world,” Mr Robb said.

The Melbourne-based company, which specialises in producing hi-tech tool and cutter grinders, was also named the winner of this year’s Manufacturing category.

“ANCA has been a leader in its field for 40 years; in that time it has significantly expanded its export markets and is on track for a record year of growth. They’ve hired 160 new employees to meet the increasing demand for their products, and are proof that Australia has a very healthy future manufacturing high-quality and innovative products.”

12 category winners across various fields were announced during the ceremony, including excellence in agribusiness, education and training, small business and online sales.

“I warmly congratulate the 12 category winners for their outstanding achievements, and indeed all 74 national finalists for grasping the opportunities that international markets offer,” Mr Robb said.

Mr Robb also announced a new award category for next year which will recognise an investor or joint venture company.

“Foreign investment plays a critical role in providing businesses with the capital they need to grow and prosper; the new award will honour a company that’s made a long-term contribution to our economy by creating employment, cultivating innovation and facilitating the expansion of Australian industry within global supply chains,” Mr Robb said.

“The free trade agreements we have signed with key trading partners including China, Japan, Korea – as well as the transformational Trans-Pacific Partnership – are unlocking unprecedented access to overseas markets.  Together they form a key plank of the Government’s strategy to promote jobs, growth and innovation in this critical post-mining boom period,” Mr Robb said.

The Australian Export Awards are co-presented by Austrade, Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) and CPA Australia.

Further information on the category winners is available at: www.exportawards.gov.au

53^rd Australian Export Awards winners