Winning’s a breeze as fan firm takes export prize

THE Eastern Cape Exporters’ Club recognised several exporters at its recent Exporter of the Year Awards.

In the category Best Small Business Exporter, Howden Donkin was awarded the winner’s trophy. The company manufactures and supplies engineered and pre-engineered fans and accessories. Howden Donkin grew its exports into the rest of Africa by 84% over the last year due to market penetration into 10 African countries. Overall, the company’s export growth year on year was 47%.

Receiving a merit award for increase in profitability in the same category for small business exporters, was Mend-A-Bath International, who have increased its profitability by 528%. The company manufactures and packages bath resurfacing kits for their franchisees, and a DIY version for the local and overseas retail market. They were founded in 1976 and started exporting in the 1980s and to- day export their products to over 20 countries around the world, from their head office in Port Elizabeth.

General Motors South Africa (GMSA) received a merit award for improvement over the last year in the SJM Flex Environmental category. GMSA has over the past year been developing, implementing, and maintaining a comprehensive waste management programme. They have also been assisting waste service providers to obtain necessary accreditation from government departments and ensuring all waste is collected , disposed and reused in a responsible manner. Over the last year they have reduced their energy consumption by 30%, VOC solvent by 15%, waste disposed to landfill by 35% and general waste by 12%.

Another merit award for Best Provider of Services to Exporters went to Jas Forwarding. Over the last year they have increased profitability by 69% and their workforce by 22%.