John Muir honoured as 'Export Hero' by Australian Institute of Export

by Muir Engineering on 15 Jun 2011 Muir Engineering Pty Ltd managing director John Muir has been recognised as an Export Hero by the Australian Institute of Export.

Since 1998 when the first Australian Export Heroes were announced, the Institute has invited just 88 of the country’s leading exporters to join its register.

In announcing Mr Muir as one of the latest Australian Hero inductees, the Australian Institute of Export said: 'John is seen as an icon in the industry.

'John’s commitment to his goals and his never take no for an answer attitude have been instrumental in his and the company’s success.

'He has what friends and colleagues call relentless perseverance. John puts extreme emphasis on building and maintaining relationships and this attitude has served him well as many clients have now been in place for decades.'

Ian Murray, executive director of the Australian Institute of Export, said programs that involved the achievement of people were always special.

'There are a number of factors that make the Australian Export Heroes Awards even more special,' he said.

'People who receive an export hero award have fought and won on the international stage. They have made more sacrifices, traveled more miles and spent more time away from home than they would like to remember.

'They have that magic mix of good business skills blended with loads of passion.'

Muir Engineering, trading as Muir Windlasses Australia, employs more than 60 people at its Hobart base at Kingston, and operates offices in Sydney, the Gold Coast, Southampton in the United Kingdom and Fort Lauderdale in the United States.

Muir Windlasses exports its anchoring and mooring systems to more than 40 countries where they are used in smaller pleasure craft, workboats and mega yachts.

'The company has been designing and manufacturing anchoring equipment for more than 40 years, establishing a strong brand for ourselves in the highly competitive marine engineering sector,' Mr Muir said.

'In recent years we have invested significantly in our Tasmanian factory, in a new testing facility for the certification process and have enhanced our design capabilities.

'The company has also worked closely with some of the world’s finest naval architects and builders in Australia and overseas to ensure our products meet and exceed their requirements.

'These include Lurssen and Thyssen Krupp both of Germany and Feadship de Vries, Feadship Van Lent of Holland as well as well known yards in Italy, France, Asia and USA.'

Mr Muir said the company had established a strong brand for marine engineering, reliability and technical design – a key factor in its long-term success.

'We know over the years that quality, service, relationships and price are important to our customers, sometimes not in that order, but they are always important parts of the business,' he said.

Muir Engineering has won numerous export awards, and in 2010 Mr Muir was named the Marine Export Industry Champion.

More at www.muir.com.au