ET shows Spirit

Redcliffe-based mining machinery sales and hire firm ET has taken naming rights sponsorship for Perth Spirit, Western Australia’s representative in the domestic competition's Mazda Australian Rugby Championship.

Formerly known as Executive Traders, ET has agreed to a two-year sponsorship contract for an undisclosed sum.

The domestic competition will run from August to October.

ET was founded by New Zealand-born mining sector identity Ross Graham in Kambalda in 2002 and moved to Perth in 2005. It employs eight staff.

Its core business is the hire and sale of underground machinery and fixed plant, through which it claims a blue-chip clientele in the Australian minerals industry.

ET was a sponsor of Rugby WA last season, including the Western Force in its second year in the international Super 14 competition.

It has also developed business out of this, linking up with major rugby sponsor Firepower Group, a fuel technology company.

According to Firepower’s website, it has entered into a 50-50 joint venture with ET called Firepower Australia Pacific which is intended to operate across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific islands.

Firepower said ET brought the extensive marketing and technical expertise, a wide network of contacts, and the resources needed to grow its business in the region.

Mr Graham and Firepower founder Tim Johnston are both directors of ET (Firepower) Pty Ltd. Kalgoorlie-based ET executive Greg Coyle is company secretary.

Technology Park-headquartered Firepower is something of a mystery company, having attracted significant publicity for its fuel additives after becoming noticed for its sports sponsorship, notably rugby and motor racing.

In WA, the company and Mr Johnston have been the subject of legal action relating to claims by a former executive. The original action was settled, but has since been resumed.