Two Australian companies exhibiting at leading international boat show, METS in Amsterdam, won high commendations for innovative products designed in Australia.

GME and Cape Marine Systems won high commendations at Design Awards METS 2006 this week (DAME).

They were part of a contingent of 18 Australian companies exhibiting under the AIMEX banner – the Australian International Marine Export Group. METS is the largest trade exhibition of equipment, materials and systems for the international marine leisure industry.

GME’s MT410G beacon received a High Commendation in the safety product category at the DAME awards.

“This is a great result for GME and the Australian industry,” said GME’s Sean Griffin. “The design of the MT410G beacon is a technological breakthrough which sets the product apart from European and American competitors.”

GME’s MT410G AccuSat personal locator beacon is the smallest and lightest personal location beacon on the market. The MT410G and MT410 models offer a seven-year battery replacement life, an industry first seven-year warranty and high intensity LED strobe.

Mr Griffin said the Australian designed and manufactured product could pinpoint a location within 50m of the point of activation offering application to boaters, bush walkers, four by four enthusiasts and aviators. “As a result of our DAME success and participation in AIMEX at the Australian pavilion at METS, GME has already booked significant MT410G orders from European customers,” concluded Mr Griffin.

Cape Marine Systems received a High Commendation in the Marina category for its Swing Mooring Pontoons. The patented Australian design allows a greater number of vessels to be moored in an area. The Swing Mooring Pontoons can be varied in size to accommodate vessels of different lengths and beams and can be manufactured using various materials including aluminium, steel, concrete or plastic.

Cape Marine Systems Greg Hill said the company had previously won a 2004 Australian Marine Award in the New and Innovative Product category organized by the Australian Marine Industries Federation (AMIF).

“This commendation at METS proves if a company is good enough to win in Australia, that company can win an international award,” said Mr Hill.
”It is an honour to receive a commendation in a highly competitive marine market. The award has also generated interest from clients in the Middle East, US and Europe.”

Eighteen Australian companies exhibited at METS this year through AIMEX. These companies included Acoola Marine, Blue Ray Marine, Burke Marine, Cape Marine Systems, Coursemaster Autopilots, Donaghys Sarlon, GME, Hi-Tek Marine, Marina Protection Systems, Muir Windlasses, PolyFlex Group, Ronstan International, Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, Sea Gyro, StandFast Corporation, TMQ Electronics, VEEM Engineering Group and Zhik Pty Ltd.

The 16^th annual Design Award METS (DAME) attracted a total of 166 products from 136 companies.

AIMEX is a non-profit private sector organisation consisting of members from Australia’s recreational and light commercial boating industry. Members are involved in boat manufacturing and in providing marine goods and services for export.

Last Updated ( Thursday, 16 November 2006 )