Australian success at METS

AUSTRALIA’S marine industry was out in force at the 2009 Marine Equipment Trade Show (METS) during November – the world’s largest marine equipment show.

A large contingent of Australian marine exporters exhibited in the Australian Pavilion with the Australian International Marine Export Group (AIMEX), showcasing the latest Australian products and services.

Whilst there was some concern about exhibiting in Europe given the current economic climate the Australian pavilion still attracted the quality buyers ensuring excellent leads and sales for the Australian contingent.

There was the same buzz at the show as in past years and certainly from the Australian pavilion point of view exhibiting at the show was a very positive experience. All AIMEX members reported high levels of enquiry, many appointed distributors and agents and a number made good direct sales.

The show opened for the Australian team with a cocktail function hosted by Austrade on Monday 16th November. Peter Rasmussen, trade commissioner for Western Europe gave a presentation on the current state of the Western European economy and the opportunities available for companies exhibiting. At the function Alistair Murray, MD of Ronstan International donated a $2,500 Service Agreement with Austrade as a lucky door prize. The winner of this valuable agreement was Queensland based manufacturer TMQ. “It could not have come at a better time as TMQ is looking to do further research into this market in specific areas and having this opportunity to work with Austrade will be a great help to the company,” said TMQ’s Robert Larder.

Richard Chapman MD of Coursemaster Autopilots, a long time METS exhibitor was unsure what to expect at METS this year but commented that it was still the best show in the world and one that Australian exporters could not afford to miss. This statement was corroborated by Steve Vincent MD of Austral Propellers and Sean Griffin, international business development manager of GME, both long time METS exhibitors who also felt that business transacted was similar to previous years.

Alan Steber MD of Stebercraft, a first time exhibitor at METS this year, was extremely impressed with the new products and innovations he was seeing on display and was keen to bring some of these into Australia for his business.

AIMEX said it is important for Australian companies to set world class standards if we are to compete globally. METS is considered the largest trade show in the world and a must do event if Australian companies are serious about exporting.

Despite a difficult exchange rate, AIMEX said the innovation, quality and excellence of Australian products and their growing reputation in Europe combined to ensure a very successful show at METS for all in the Australian pavilion.