Kelly Engineering named Australia's Regional Exporter of the Year

Shane Kelly, owner of Kelly Engineering, with a Kelly's chain harrow. (Picture: Christopher Russell, 26 Sept 2007) Source: The Advertiser

The win at last night's 48th Australian Export Awards caps off an outstanding year for the family-owned and operated business.

The Booleroo Centre business had already won the national and state regional titles in the Telstra Business of the Year awards as well as being named state winner of the regional category in Business SA and Austrade's export awards.

The Australian Export Awards are the most prestigious industry accolades and are co-presented by Austrade and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Winner of the top award  the Prime Minister's Exporter of the Year  was Future Fibre Technologies, a Victorian company which uses fibre optic detection and location systems to protect military, petrochemical and government sites.

Kelly Engineering was the only SA winner with the judges commended its invention, the patented Diamond Disc Chain Harrow, as a "breakthrough in light tillage".

There are six models in the harrow range which mulch stubble and create excellent seed beds while reducing fuel use.

"Kelly Engineering has made a significant contribution, not just to its community, but also to the national prosperity," Austrade's SA manager Pat Moessinger said.

"The company represents what is best about Australian business dynamic, resourceful and determined to succeed in international business."

"Kelly Engineering stood out for its strong and sustainable export growth.

"This increased export demand has resulted in jobs growth for the company."

Founded 25 years ago by Peter Kelly as a machine-repairing hobby business, Kelly Engineering has thrived under the leadership of his son, Shane.

Still based at the family's farm 10km south of Booleroo Centre, it now employs about 38 staff and has annual turnover of $11 million.

The company looked set to continue its strong export sales and is negotiating manufacturing licensing arrangements in the US.

Kelly machines are already manufactured under licence in Denmark.

Other export award winners included:

• Arts and entertainment  Laservision, NSW.
• Education and training - Navitas, WA.
• Large advanced manufacturing - Matrix Composites, WA.
• Minerals and Energy - Xstrata Mt Isa Mines, Queensland.