The Minister for Economic Development, David O'Byrne, today congratulated the Tasmanian manufacturer, Novaris, for expanding into Europe with State Government support.

 

Novaris at Kingston specialises in lightning and surge protection equipment, which has been sold locally, interstate and overseas for many years.

 

Funding from the Government's Export Market Assistance Scheme (EMAS) recently allowed the company to showcase its products in Europe for the first time.

 

Novaris attended Hannover Messe in Germany, which is the continent's biggest electrical and industrial trade exhibition. About 5,000 companies attend the event, in 17 exhibition halls.

 

The company has now announced a joint-venture agreement to form Novaris Europe, as a direct result of that recent exposure.

 

"This is a fantastically innovative Tasmanian company making the most of strategic Government support to find new markets and grow," Mr O'Byrne said.

 

"I congratulate Mark Wild and his staff for their drive and ambition, as well as developing their strong relationship with the Department of Economic Development.

 

"As a small, export-based economy, Tasmania has to play to its strengths. That's the key principle of the Government's Economic Development Plan, which helps businesses find new markets and create lasting jobs.

 

"Quality and innovation is one of those natural advantages. Tasmania has a growing reputation for creative thinking that helps adapt products and services to suit new needs and find new markets.

 

"The role of Government is to facilitate innovation and growth, by providing strategic support, advice and services to industry.

 

"Not content to rest on its considerable laurels, Novaris has made the most of its creative staff, made the most of targeted Government support, and gone from strength to strength," he said. 

 

Novaris has been exporting since it was formed in 1993, and now trades with countries in Asia, Africa, the Pacific and South America.

 

Novaris Europe will provide a local base for sales, marketing and logistics support. The company is currently negotiating a supply agreement with a German industrial technology, which could open up a distribution channel across the European market.

 

The EMAS program helps eligible Tasmanian businesses plan and launch international marketing activities.

 

It provides support for researching export-markets, attending internationally-focussed trade exhibitions, developing export promotional material, and bringing inbound buyers to visit Tasmania.