Two Alberta companies have received national awards for their exporting prowess.
SMART Technologies Inc., of Calgary, which manufactures interactive whiteboards for educational and business clients around the globe, received the honour last week at the 2002 Canada Export Awards (infoexport.gc.ca/awards-prix) held in Vancouver.
It joined Edmonton-based Lacent Technologies Inc., an international leader in high-speed laser cutting systems, and eight other companies in being recognized as the country’s top exporters.
“This recognition confirms that a small Canadian company can grow to become a world leader in selling some of the most sophisticated manufacturing technology available today,” said Ron Gilbertson, president and CEO of Lacent Technologies Inc.
Lacent is the first Edmonton company to receive the award since 1993, and only the fourth Edmonton winner since the awards’ inception in 1983.
The company has grown from a small technology
start-up six years ago to a world leader which has sold more than 20 large-scale laser cutting systems to automotive suppliers, apparel and industrial textile companies around the world.
The finalists were chosen from a pool of 140 applicants for achieving significant increases in export sales, success in introducing new products and services into world markets, and success in breaking into new markets.
“Canadian exporters play a crucial role in the country's economic growth,” said federal International Trade Minister Pierre Pettigrew, who announced the awards at the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) annual conference.
“They compete in global markets and bring the benefits back home to regions and communities across Canada. They further economic and social development, strengthen local economies and create new jobs and business opportunities for Canadians.”
It was the second time SMART Technologies has received the top export award.
“Since winning the Exporter of the Year Award in 2000, SMART has continued to build upon its international presence by expanding into new countries for distribution, participating in international trade missions and opening new offices around the world,” said SMART chairman and CEO David Martin.
Since 1996, SMART has increased export sales by 953 per cent and launched 119 new and upgraded products domestically and internationally. In 2002, its export sales accounted for 95 per cent of revenues.
Other winners included:
* Lotek Wireless Inc., St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.
* Spielo, New Brunswick.
* H. Fontaine Ltd., Que.
* NSI Global Inc.,Que.
* DECODE Entertainment Inc., Toronto.
* General Motors Defense, Ont.
* ZENON Environmental Inc., Ont. (Also winner of the Canadian Exporter of the Year Award).
* Fincentric Corporation, B.C.
Meanwhile, Edmonton-based LRI Tools Inc., which specializes in advanced material cutting processes, was also recognized at the CME conference with a Canadian Innovation Award for New Technology. The awards are sponsored by Business Development Bank Canada.
