Matt Latimore General Manager – Curragh Sales and Marketing accepting the award at Parliament House Canberra

WESFARMERS CURRAGH WINS TOP NATIONAL EXPORT AWARD

A 12 per cent export sales increase in the worst international market in 40 years has won Wesfarmers Curragh the Minerals and Energy category at the 47th Australian Export Awards held last Friday at Parliament House Canberra.

Wesfarmers Curragh secured the nation’s most prestigious business exporting award for the minerals and energy sector – its third award in two months – on the back of its strategy of dealing directly with international steel mills.

This strategy has seen the mine almost triple its exports since 2000 and defy the global financial crisis.

Wesfarmers Resources Managing Director Stewart Butel said the company’s direct business approach had facilitated a better understanding of their customers’ business.
“Wesfarmers Curragh’s export success has been assisted through building direct relationships with select international steel mills, culminating in strong export results to major steel mills in Asia, Europe and South America,” Mr Butel said.

“Export sales increased by 12 per cent in 2008/09 despite world pig iron production plummeting by 21 per cent, the largest reduction in international demand in 40 years.

“Strong export sales made it possible for us to continue full production throughout the global financial crisis, at a time when many other mines were forced to reduce or halt production.

“Our success has benefited the company, but also allowed us to maintain our contribution to the broader economy through the provision of around 480 permanent jobs, local procurement of goods and services, taxes and royalties to government and substantial community support.

“This award recognises a fantastic business effort, and I would like to thank and congratulate everyone associated with this achievement and in particular the Curragh mine employees and the Brisbane marketing team,” he said.

The national award follows two other recent export awards which saw Wesfarmers Curragh take out the Minerals and Energy category of the 2009 The Queensland Japan Chamber of Commerce & Industry Inc Export Excellence Awards as well as the Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards in the Minerals and Energy category.