IMW named B.C. exporter of the year
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Updated: November 03, 2009 9:22 AM
Local exporter IMW Industries has done it again, earning BC Export Awards in two categories.
It’s the third export award in the manufacturing category for IMW’s compressed natural gas systems, but it’s the first time being named overall Exporter of the Year.
“It’s very gratifying to be recognized this way, and to have been nominated by local companies,” said IMW spokesman Steve Steinebach. “It’s another trophy. We had our fingers crossed.”
Nominations for the BC Export award came in from the local KPMG office, as well as from Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation.
“That was great, especially since our product is not specifically a local product,” Steinebach remarked.
The company with a decidedly global outlook now has a staff of upwards of 140 in their spacious new factory on Progress Way.
IMW earned a cool $52 million in revenues in 2008, mainly supplying green fuelling equipment to international taxi and bus fleets.
Company owner Brad Miller was just named Entrepreneur of the Year in the ‘clean tech’ category of the 2009 BC Business Awards.
Although Steinebach said IMW hasn’t really done anything particularly “new” of late, the feat simply of “surviving in the present economy” is significant, he said.
They recently signed an agreement with China Gas to build 120 large-scale CNG stations, which has become their area of specialization, design and manufacturing of high-pressure compressors and fuelling systems for compressed natural gas (CNG) systems. The specialized CNG technology generates about one-quarter of the greenhouse gas emissions than other types.
“In light of the beating that Canadian manufacturers have been taking with the strong Canadian dollar and, conversely, the growing interest in our green technology, our perseverance and success continues to be a good news story for B.C. and Chilliwack in particular,” he added.
Now in their 27th year, the B.C. Export Awards are organized by the CME and co-hosted with the Province of British Columbia. The awards recognize British Columbia’s top exporters in eight sector categories, plus two for individual achievement, and one for the overall Exporter of the Year.
“The companies selected this year have all demonstrated the leadership and innovation that characterizes B.C.’s export industry. They have continued to achieve impressive export results despite exceptional economic challenges this past year,” said Craig Williams, Vice President, CME, B.C. Division. “We are pleased to recognize their achievements and the important role they play in the success of the B.C. economy.”
jfeinberg@theprogress.com
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