The Transnet/ Durban Chamber of Commerce KZN Exporter of the Year Awards 2013

The KZN Exporter of the Year 2013 will be announced tonight at the Durban ICC.  Sponsored by port operator Transnet Port Terminals in conjunction with the Durban Chamber of Commerce, the KZN Exporter of the Year Awards recognises the efforts of local companies who have made their mark in the competitive export market.

South Africa’s strategy is to grow the economy through exports, an area where KwaZulu-Natal makes a significant contribution as a province alone considering its 16% impact on the country’s GDP, the second largest after Gauteng.  We congratulate the 10 finalists who have achieved in the export market, and wish them the best of luck.

Competitors were nominated in five categories, and the ten finalists are, in alphabetical order:

Finalists in the Small Business category:

Imperial Armour
Imperial Armour manufacturers a broad range of body armour and personal protection products for the military, the police, security companies, fire-fighting and rescue services. Other customers include VIP protection services (body-guards), antiriot units and even demining units (for landmine clearance) and dog units who make use of both personal protection and ballistic canine vests.

Imperial Armour was established in 2000 and has developed into a market leader in the manufacture and supply of personal protection equipment, competing both locally and in the international market, exporting to 75 countries around the world.

Located in Westmead, Imperial Armour opened Imperial Armour Middle East in Dubai in 2013.

Mexan Products                            
Mexan assists companies in the food, beverage and chemical industries to pack faster, improve hygiene and pack more efficiently.

Founded in 1993 to serve the food and beverage  industry, today Mexan focuses on filling, washing and handling equipment in the food, beverage and packaging industries , specialising in automation and stainless steel fabrications.

Customers range from major companies like Nampak, Astrapak,Polyoak , SAB, Clover, Woolworths and Pick ‘n Pay, to small start-up juice , water and dairy  businesses. 

Focusing on quality service and reliability, Mexan has grown steadily.  2013 has been a record year for the company, with record export sales into Africa. 

Our strategy is to grow our business with existing customers through reliability and service, and enter new markets to grow and prosper with our customers and our stakeholders. 

Mexan is located in a 1000m2 factory in the Maxmead Pinetown area, and employs 31 people.

Finalists in the Medium Business category:

Green Office
Founded in 1997 as a remanufacturer of used printer cartridges, Green Office has reformed the office environment by transforming document processes and eliminating many of the associated costs, saving their clients the earth.

Green Office
• supplies hardware and consumables, including high-quality remanufactured cartridges
• services and maintains a company's printing environment
• recycles and remanufactures toner printer cartridges
• implements software to help a company manage its print environment
• offers an all-in-one Managed Print Service (MPS) 

Green Office’s commitment to sustainability is instilled in our core values, and our commitment to community can be seen in the time, business knowledge and skills invested in communities; helping individuals to reach their full potential.

PT Engineering
PT Engineering is a family owned business committed to the design and manufacture of specialized equipment to off-shore oil and gas industries, as well as the sugar and general engineering industries throughout Africa and around the world. 

With a reputation for high quality products and customer service, PT Engineering designs and manufactures a fleet of cargo carrying units as well as large range of bespoke equipment to the latest offshore specifications.   Within Africa, PT Engineering is one of a few companies that designs and manufacture to these globally recognised standards.

PT Engineering is proud to have been awarded ISO 9001:2008 certification as well as a NOSA 5 Star safety rating, and believes that their continued success is due to their good quality and competitively priced products that are supported and made by a passionate team.