Australian companies happy with METS results

by AIMEX on 28 Nov 2010 Australian companies once again impressed at this year’s 2010 Marine Equipment Trade Show (METS) in Amsterdam - the world’s largest trade exhibition of equipment, materials and systems for the international marine leisure industry.

The show reported a small increase in visitors over 2009 and with over 1300 exhibitors this show continues to be the most significant marine show for Australian exporters.

The Australian Pavilion was home to a substantial group of members and industry heavyweights including Aeronaut Automation, Austral Propellers, Barz Optics, Coursemaster Autopilots, Donaghys, FinScan, GME, Hydrive Engineering, Marine Tech Industries Australia, Marine Tuft, Marine Protection Systems, Muirs, Palm Unbreakable Drinkware, PFD, Polyflex Group, PowerDive, Ronstan International, Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, Seasafe, Stormy Seas, SOS Marine, Superior Jetties, Superyacht Base Australia and TMQ International

The following companies were also exhibiting at the show and part of the Australian group either exhibiting on their own or were with their distributors: Aqualuma Marine Lighting, VEEM Propellers. MultiPanel and Marlin Australia.

All companies reported a positive outcome from the show with all expressing a key value is in the networking that takes place as this is where all the key players in the industry gather to do business. The saying 'if you do no other show do METs' is heard over and over again. As Richard Chapman MD Coursemaster stated, 'If you are serious about exporting you have to be here.' Once again Richard advised the networking is second to none and is essential to drive business sales and increase your contact base.

FinScan market leader in the field of Marine Biometrics showcased their new 'IntelliCORE' system: ‘Intelligence at your finger tips’ product at the show. Carlo Khamu stated 'The show has been excellent for us we have gained fantastic leads and will definitely get orders from the show. We will definitely be back next year.'

Ronstan International, manufacturer and global distributor of quality sailboat deck hardware for yachts once again had a successful METS and their socialising at Louis Bar was once again the talk of the show with MD Alistair Murray leading the Ronstan team. Ronstan have said they wish to double their space in 2011.

SOS Marine manufacturer of specialised lifejackets, safety & rescue equipment exhibited for the first time at METS and were extremely pleased with the response to their products and had a number of prospects to follow up.

New AIMEX member Stormy Seas also exhibiting for the first time at METS and showcased their international standard approved products the Stormy Vest and Stormy Jacket as well as the Stormy Rescue Grenade, a rapid response life ring.

Helen Moore MD said 'We have to be here we have had so many enquiries from the European market and interest in our product from a number of key distributors is certain to lead to sales from the show. There is nothing here like our jackets, they are unique. We will be back next year.'

AIMEX once again hosted an evening for members and their guests. This was an excellent function and provided a great opportunity for everyone to meet each other and share information. This is always seen as a very valuable networking and relationship building event.

More at www.aimex.asn.au


EXHIBITOR PROFILES

Aeronaut Automation manufactures automated plotter/cutters with CAD and nestling software to suit a variety of applications including sailmaking, sail stringing machines, carbon fibre, rubber and canvas goods. Machines range from 1200mm square up to 10m by 45m long. Tools range from blades to lasers and ultrasonic cutting options. www.aeronaut.org

Aqualuma Underwater Lighting offers a revolutionary approach to underwater lighting. From one-piece injected moulded polycarbonate housing to the company’s ground breaking LED light technology, Aqualuma lights are maintenance free and use virtually no power. www.aqualuma.com

Austral Propellers has led the way in propeller design and manufacturing in Australia for 60 years. The company manufactures high quality, inboard marine propellers at competitive prices and using short manufacturing lead times. Austral produces propellers for all types of inboard installations ranging from high performance sports cruisers and luxury motor yachts through to sailing yachts, leisure craft, ski boats, motor yachts and commercial fishing vessels. The company is dedicated to manufacturing high quality products in particularly short lead times and is the preferred ‘emergency supplier’ for many international boat builders, dealers and charter operators. www.australpropeller.com.au

Barz Optics was established in 1996 by Kevin Barr - a former surfing champion with 30 years experience in the surf, snow ski and sailboard industries. From his own and others experiences, Kevin was inspired to develop a sunglass/ google, in collaboration with the optical industry and material manufactures from around the world, to give surfers and other outdoor sports enthusiasts maximum eyesight protection. Over the last ten years Barz have expanded their products to include a wide range of unique polarised sunglasses which contain polarised or non polarised bi-focal reader lenses. Barz Optics utilise eight different lens material variations. www.barzoptics.com

Coursemaster Autopilots Pty Ltd in Sydney has been designing, manufacturing and exporting quality marine autopilots for 30 years. Commercial and leisure boat skippers around the world acknowledge the superior performance, toughness and reliability of Coursemaster Autopilots whether for a fishing, charter, tug, power or sailing vessel from five to 100 metres. www.coursemaster.com

Donaghys Pty Ltd has been established more than 100 years, offering a high performance background in the development of the world’s best yachting braids. Brands include Superbraid, Spectraspeed, Challenge Braid, Ocean 12, Southern Lights, Yachtmaster XS, Dinghy Racing and PBO Elite. The company can service superyacht project kits to rigger specifications. The company has worked with winners such as Emirates Team NZ, ABN Amro 1, Alfa Romeo and many more. www.donaghys.com

Finscan is a market leader in the field of Marine Biometrics, who recently won the Australian AIMEX most innovative product award for 2010. From Fingerprint engine starting, integrated marine keyless entry / security systems, to distributed DC power switching and monitoring systems. In combination, FinScan’s products will secure a boat with the integrated alarm system, perform keyless entry ,perform vessel monitoring and perform engine starting on all major engine brands – without a key in sight. We call it , 'Intelligence at your finger tips'. See our new 'IntelliCORE' product for the first time at METS 2010.
www.finscan.com.au

GME A long time exhibitor at METS, Australia’s marine electronics specialist GME recognises this show as being pivotal for both its European endeavours and broader international markets. In 2010 GME will display its full line of EPIRBs, PLBs, VHF radios and entertainment systems. It will also debut the exciting new GD9600 series DVD/CD players with AM/FM radio, remote options and iPod connectivity. www.gme.net.au
HyDrive Engineering Pty Ltd is the largest manufacturer and exporter of hydraulic boat steering gear in the Southern Hemisphere. It boasts one of the widest ranges of precision-built, award-winning specialty hydraulic steering kits and manufactures custom-made hydraulic steering systems to suit both leisure and commercial vessels from five metres to 100 metres. www.hydrive.com.au

Marine Tech Industries Australia specialises in the manufacture of high spec boat seats and pedestals, fixed and adjustable tables and bar stools. Products are manufactured in Aluminium or Stainless Steel with a range of options suitable for all areas of the boating industry, from Powerboats to Luxury Launches and Motor Yachts. www.marinetechindustries.com

Marine Tuft are the Australian manufacturers of Marine Grade Carpets using the highest grade yarns suitable for both indoor and outdoor usages, manufactured in both 2 Metre and 4 Metre widths to suit most decks. www.marinetuft.com.au

Marine Protection Systems Pty Ltd is an industry leader in electrolysis control and prevention devices. The company’s range includes galvanic isolators or electrolysis blockers which mitigate the daisy chain effect of electrolysis due to shore power connectivity. The company’s Maddox Anodes, designed for wooden and fibreglass boats, create a more neutral environment under the vessel greatly reducing contaminants on the hull. The Shaft Grounding Strap provides a shaft driven vessel maximum electrical contact from the sacrificial anodes to the shaft and propeller. Shaft anodes are no longer required, saving money and the strap provides excellent protection from corrosion for the propellers and shafts. The MPS product range have attained recognition and various awards including the Australian Marine Industry Federation Innovative Product of the Year, with the electrolysis blocker attaining a Commendation Award at METS. www.marineprotectionsystems.com.au

Muirs specialises in the manufacture of windlasses and anchoring systems for vessels from 5m to 110m. The company has developed a reputation for superior quality products which are exported to more than 40 countries. www.muir.com.au

MultiPanel uses innovative technology to manufacture unique lightweight and waterproof building panels. The panels are made from high-density polyurethane and are incredibly versatile with applications across many industries including maritime, construction and transport. The panels are strong, lightweight, waterproof, fire retardant, eco friendly and have extremely good acoustic and insulative properties. www.multipanel.com.au

Palm Unbreakable Drinkware is designed by enthusiasts for marine and outdoor activities and manufactured in Australia using state-of the art machinery and technology. The Palm Unbreakable Boating and Camping ranges are 2-shot moulded and feature a non-slip base with a polycarbonate top. The wine and tumblers stack for space saving storage and transport. In addition the shapes are contemporary and robust with a low centre of gravity and heavy bases. The base of the camping range 'glows-in-the-dark'. Palm Product’s commitment to quality and the environment is demonstrated with certification to ISO9001, the Automotive Standard TS16949, and Environmental Standard ISO14001. www.palmproducts.com.au

PFD is Australia's largest and leading designer and manufacturer of Lifejackets and associated products. They have their own brand ULTRA which is the leading brand in Australasia. In addition they manufacture on behalf of a number of industry brand leaders. PFD has been responsible for almost every design innovation in this sector of the industry. www.ultrapfd.com.au

Poly Flex Group Pty Ltd manufactures anti-vibration mounting systems, polymer shaft drive couplings and customised polymer mouldings for the marine, industrial, mining, power generation and agricultural industries. www.polyflex.com.au

PowerDive is the sole manufacturer of a unique 12-volt diving system aimed at the recreational market. The PowerDive system is a surface air supply system which supplies air to the diver via a hose to a regulator. These systems are ideally suited for resort diving, recreational use and underwater boat maintenance. www.powerdive.com

Ronstan International is a manufacturer and global distributor of quality sailboat deck hardware to suit yachts ranging from off-the-beach dinghies to mega-yachts. The product range includes standard and custom solutions in blocks, track and traveller systems, rigging components and a comprehensive range of batten car and sail handling systems. Ronstan has a dedicated custom product division providing fitout assistance and design. www.ronstan.com

The Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show is recognised as a leading marine event in the Asia Pacific region. A member of the prestigious International Federation of Boat Show Organisers (IFBSO), the Show attracts more than 400 exhibitors, more than 100 world and regional marine product launches with on-water, pavilion and open-air displays. Exhibits include super yachts, power boats, sail boats, engines, electronics, marine navigational gear and marine business to business services. Dates for the 2011 event, the 23rd annual show, are May 19 to 22, 2011. www.sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au

Seasafe has developed a state-of-the-art, self-contained Man-Overboard & Lost-Diver Alarm, Tracking & Location system. The system allows for instant personal MOB or Lost-Diver notification at vessel level and allows for immediate victim tracking and location. The system uses Radio Frequency directional finding techniques and has exceptional range and location accuracy. It is able to track victims to within 5 meters and has an activated battery life of up to 7 days. The system provides personal and affordable safety for all on-board and does not suffer the delays in response and locating inaccuracy normally associated with traditional MOB satellite based systems.

SOS Marine is an ISO 9001 International Award winning manufacturer of specialised lifejackets, safety & rescue equipment, supplying seven Naval Forces world-wide. Lifejackets certified to ISO 12402. New patented rescue equipment for marine safety www.sosmarine.com
Stormy Seas has been saving lives since 1993. They design and build lifejackets, light and comfortable vests and jackets - inflatable clothing. Intelligent gear that looks and feels right – for wherever you want to be. But it doesn’t stop there – the Stormy Rescue Grenade is an example of our innovative safety devices. Our products are designed to meet the new international standard ISO 12402 for lifejackets and 12401 for built in deck harnesses. Protecting what’s most precious – keeping your loved ones safe is at the heart of what we do, designed to be worn and never stowed. Lab tested in Tasmania, Australia – engineered to work – period. www.stormylifejackets.com

Superior Jetties® manufactures and installs marine berthing systems for both the domestic and commercial markets in Australia and internationally. Superior's products include both the Elite and Capri Marina Systems, Hydrolift® boat lifts and the Ultimate Modular Dock range of marine berthing options. Superior's range ensures that an optimum solution for site and purpose specific needs can be met for marinas, ferry terminals, piling and water based boardwalks. Offering complete turn key management covering design, manufacture and installation project management, Superior exports its marina systems worldwide.www.superiorjetties.com

Superyacht Base Australia is the national industry body with an information centre to assist you with your visit to Australian waters. With new Dockwise SuperYacht transporter now giving you access to this region, Australia is fast emerging as one of the preferred SuperYacht destinations in the world. www.syba.com.au

TMQ International Pty Ltd is a manufacturer and distributor of marine equipment, designing and manufacturing a range of autopilots and accessories. TMQ’s C-Plot leads the way in providing a powerful, computer based chart plotter, easily installed onto a standard PC or laptop. www.tmq.com.au

Veem Propellers specialises in the supply of high performance propulsion system packages. The company crates high performance fully CNC machined propellers and shaftline packages. www.veem.com.au