A company with 1,300 employees that has generated exports worth $1 billion during the past five years.
Another company that produced the marvellous engineering feat of a 1.6 km tunnel under Northbridge as part of a 6.5 km freeway system.
A business that exports yabbies; another that has in only four years developed into the world’s leading commercial manufacturer and exporter of wheat-filled products.
Then there’s the mining firm that has become the largest single producer of tantalum, supplying 25 per cent of world demand, and the South Perth-based family company that has produced film and television documentaries about wildlife, history and zoology watched by billions of people in more than 60 countries.
All have vastly different functions and provide services across the spectrum.
But they have some key common themes.
The companies contribute to the wealth, development and prosperity of WA – and, by association, Australia.
They provide a benchmark and inspiration for other enterprises attempting to make an impact domestically and internationally.
Another common theme is the firms were finalists or winners in Western Australia’s Year 2000 Industry and Export Awards.
The awards play a key role in recognising the wonderful achievements of the State’s companies – of all sizes – and to highlight what is possible with foresight, innovation and hard work.
From one of WA’s greatest success stories, Austal Ships, which won three awards, including the Premier’s Award for Excellence, to growing Belmont-based firm Hotbods Creatures (Emerging Exporter Award), all levels of business was honoured.
The awards, now 12 years old, are a most worthwhile exercise.