Top exporters triumph despite currency backlash

JOY ORLEK MAINTAINING AND growing market share against the backlash of a strong currency was one of the key judging criteria in this year’s Chamber of Commerce & Industry – Standard Bank Gauteng Exporter of the Year awards held last week. Overall winner and export services category entrant, Netcare, took home the coveted title for setting the benchmark in running a global outsourced service, in the view of the judges. Africa’s largest private hospital and doctor network launched its drive for globalisation in 2002 when Netcare UK won an outsource tender from the UK National Health Service for mobile ophthalmic treatment centres. In the first year of operation more than 17000 patients were treated at these fully functional operating theatres. Last year the company opened its second UK project and has been contracted to perform 44 800 orthopaedic, ENT and general surgery procedures over a five year period. Tru-Trac Rollers won the small manufacturing award for its patented solutions in tracking and aligning conveyor belts, for which markets have been established in the US, Canada, Europe, UK, Australia and China. Winner of the medium manufacturing award, APE Pumps, exports to 21 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, UK, USA and Middle East while Scaw Metals was the large manufacturing winner. Last year 51% of its product was sold outside South Africa. The Design Innovation Award went to popular contender, the Bumbo Baby Sitter, which enables babies to sit up and observe their surroundings in the upright position. It is now sold in 42 countries around the world.