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NLIS 4 May 29, 2003 (Industry, Trade and Rural Development) 2003 Newfoundland and Labrador Exporter of the Year announced Rutter Technologies Inc. was named as the 2003 Newfoundland and Labrador Exporter of the Year at the Newfoundland and Labrador Export Awards luncheon today at the Fairmont Hotel in St. John�s. North Atlantic Refining Limited and Genoa Design International Ltd. were also recognized as finalists for the award. Industry, Trade and Rural Development Minister Judy Foote was joined by John Patten, chair of the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters � Newfoundland and Labrador Division, in presenting the awards. "Rutter Technologies, North Atlantic Refining and Genoa Design International are a testament to the outstanding products and services Newfoundland and Labrador companies are exporting around the world. In doing so, they not only help grow their own businesses, they also help bring new wealth and create new jobs in our province," said Minister Foote. "The Newfoundland and Labrador Exporter of the Year awards luncheon provides an opportunity to recognize our finalists, while acknowledging the important contribution all of our exporters are making to the economy of Newfoundland and Labrador." Keith Stoodley, oceans director at Lotek Wireless Inc., was the emcee of the awards luncheon. Lotek Wireless was the 2002 Canada Export Award winner for Innovation and Technology and a 2001 Newfoundland and Labrador Export Award winner. Steven Poloz, vice-president and chief economist at Export Development Canada, was guest speaker at the luncheon. John Patten, chair of Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters - Newfoundland and Labrador Division, said: "Rutter Technologies, North Atlantic Petroleum and Genoa Design are excellent examples of the many world class operations in this province that compete internationally. These companies deserve to be acknowledged through initiatives such as the Export Awards. Exporting brings new revenue to the province�s economy and creates prosperity. The CME offers its congratulations to these companies." Genoa Design International Ltd., of Manuels, has been providing naval architecture technology services to the marine industry since 1995, hiring top graduates of the Marine Institute's naval architecture and marine technology programs. The Genoa group recently completed a full production design, 3D modeling and lofting contract for the superstructure of the Staten Island Ferries in New York City. Genoa has also become a team member for the "Second Tier Shipyard Design Enhancement Program", as part of the United States� National Shipbuilding Research Program. Genoa is an industry leader in the use of the Internet as a delivery system - positioning itself as a serious contender for production and design contracts in shipyards across North America. For more information on Genoa Design visit the company Web site at www.genoadesign.com North Atlantic Refining Limited, of Come By Chance, is one of Newfoundland and Labrador�s largest employers, with over 600 people employed on-site at the refinery and 100 others marketing North Atlantic�s products in both domestic and international markets. Hundreds of other spin-off jobs are involved in their annual maintenance program and sales across the island portion of the province. North Atlantic's top quality products are sold in 25 countries around the world and the company contributes more than $140 million annually to the province's economy, exporting over a billion dollars in petroleum products each year. For more information on North Atlantic Refining Limited visit the company Web site at www.na-refining.nf.ca Rutter Technologies Inc., of St. John�s, develops and manufactures marine Voyage Data Recorder, or VDR systems, which are similar to the well-known "black boxes" found in aircraft. The company is a major VDR supplier to the world�s most prestigious cruise ship lines, such as Holland America, Celebrity and Carnival Cruise Lines. It also sells its innovative technology to major ferry lines, container lines, tankers and other passenger vessels in over 60 countries world-wide. Rutter employs approximately 60 people, either directly or indirectly. The company achieved over 200 per cent growth in sales between 2001 and 2002, with a phenomenal 12-fold increase in sales since 2000. For more information on Rutter Technologies Inc. visit the company Web site at www.ruttertech.com Forty-two companies were nominated for the 2003 Newfoundland and Labrador Export Awards by industry associations, chambers of commerce, other companies and government agencies. Finalists were selected through an assessment process involving the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters - Newfoundland and Labrador Division, the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Technical Industries (Nati), the Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industries Association (NEIA) and provincial and federal departments responsible for export development. Finalists were selected based on their particular combination of: Newfoundland and Labrador content; the range of market penetration; the company�s ability to hold market share in the face of strong external competition; the ratio of export sales to total sales; the uniqueness of the company�s products and services; and the level of research and development leading to the expansion of a company�s products and/or services. The 2003 Newfoundland and Labrador Export Awards are designed to celebrate success and encourage new exporters to enter the global marketplace. The Export Awards event is a joint initiative of the Department of Industry, Trade and Rural Development and the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters � Newfoundland and Labrador Division. Photo # 1: 2003 Newfoundland and Labrador Export Awards Media contact:
2003 05 29 3:00 p.m. |
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