Swift snares export crown
JON CONDON
29 Oct,2010 04:00 AM
SWIFT Australia has snared the agribusiness sector's first Premier of Queensland Exporter of the Year Award in a strong recognition of the broader beef industry's contribution to the State's economy and regional employment.
Since its inception more than 20 years ago, the overall winners of the annual Premier's Export Awards have tended to come from more 'fashionable' areas of business like Information Technology (IT), mining and resources
This year, however, Swift beat a stellar field including Xtrata Mt Isa Mines, Cook Australia (advanced medical technology) and Sedgman Ltd (mining engineering)
In addressing the awards audience on Thursday evening, Premier Anna Bligh said a fresh breed of companies was emerging in Queensland in meeting the major economic challenges of the new millennium.
"These businesses are innovative, dynamic, entrepreneurial and robust, and they are leading the way in global operations, finding new ways to service key industries and access markets overseas," she said.
In accepting the award, Swift Australia director and manager of sales and marketing, Jean Carlo Dilly, said the company's success had been based on a 'radical shift' from traditional methods of beef marketing and processing, which had led to a significant increase in employment and export revenue.
Since taking over the operations of Australia Meat Holdings in2007, parent company JBS Friboi has injected $66 million in capital improvements into the Beef City plant, lifting both volume and productivity.
Throughput has lifted from 865 head to I 100 head/day (5500/week), and processes have been implemented to meet the demands of new markets including halal slaughter and foreign language labeling requirements.
"Swift is proud of its export strategy, defined by ensuring that the best products and services are delivered to our customers.
That requires continual product innovation, proactive marketing and a focus on broadening market access," Mr Dilly said.
The company offered a comprehensive marketing service to customers, working with them to tailor product solutions and develop joint marketing and advertising campaigns.
An example of this was the recent installation and commissioning of Australia's first on-site intestine boiling facility at Beef City, designed in close partnership with a major overseas end-user.
The intestine products now have not only a greater value, but also an enviable reputation around the world for quality and uniformity.
