Riviera recognised for Export Achievements

by Denby Browning on 4 Oct 2006 Australia’s largest and most awarded luxury cruiser manufacturer, Riviera, has received another accolade for its export programs.

The Queensland company has won the Large Manufacturer category of the 2006 Gold Coast Region Export Awards. This is the second year in succession that the company has won the award.

Philip Candler, Riviera’s Director of Technology, accepted the award on behalf of the company.

Mr Candler said the awards were a credit to the Riviera employees based not only at the company’s headquarters but also around the world.

'We work diligently with our Dealer Network in more than 30 countries around the world to ensure we are delivering quality products,' he said. 'To receive this award is a fantastic reward for our employees’ hard work.'

He said the company had recently appointed a major new Dealership in China, a General Manager based in Europe to oversee activities in Europe, Africa and the Middle East and had invested more than $7 million in new facilities for its headquarters in the Americas.

'Riviera has a long-term commitment to produce high-quality Flybridge Convertibles, Sport Cruisers and Sport Yachts and to provide world-class service on a global level,' he said.

'This is a highly competitive industry and to remain at the forefront we have to constantly improve our offerings to the global markets,' he said.

The Gold Coast Region Export Awards are one of the region’s most prestigious Awards programs.

Conducted by the Department of State Development, Trade and Innovation and the Department of the Premier and Cabinet in partnership with local industry groups and organisations, the awards are designed to recognise and honour the success of Gold Coast exporters across a range of significant sectors of business.

Riviera is now in the running for recognition at the 2006 Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards, which will be announced at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on October 12.

Mr Candler said Riviera has launched a number of new models this year, including the 56 Enclosed Flybridge at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show and the ground-breaking 4700 Sport Yacht at Sydney International Boat Show. Both had been very well received by the market with significant forward orders.

'The overseas demand for the Sport Yacht in particular is very exciting,' he said. 'This boat will make its international debut in the US at the Miami International Boat Show in January next year.'


PHOTO CAPTION:
Riviera Director of New Product Development Philip Candler accepts the Export award from Queensland’s Minister for Tourism and Fair Trading Margaret Keech. Photo by Aldwyn Altuney of AA Xposé Media & Photography.

Visit www.riviera.com.au.

Footnote:

Riviera is Australia’s largest and most awarded luxury boat manufacturer and exporter of Flybridge Convertible and Sport Cruisers and Sport Yachts. The Company, based in Coomera, South-East Queensland, produces about 380 boats each year at the largest pleasure boat building facility in the Southern Hemisphere. A large percentage of this production is exported to a growing Dealer Network that spans 30 countries across the globe. The company has a workforce of more than 1,100 craftspeople and is training more than 150 apprentices in its own award-winning training centre. These apprentices are mentored by hundreds of senior craftsmen.