Nautic Africa is proud to announce it was named an Absa Cape Chamber of Commerce Western Cape finalist for Exporter of the Year 2013, and winner of the Gerald Wolman Trophy for Excellence in Doing Business in Africa, at the awards ceremony held on 10 October, in Cape Town.
The ceremony, which is in its 23rd year, recognises companies based in the Western Cape that have excelled in exporting products or services, demonstrated primarily by an increase in export turnover, an upswing in employment and any notable achievements in the export field. Judges also consider creativity and innovation involved in exporting to difficult markets, as well as the contribution that these companies are making to their immediate communities.
Nautic Africa specialises in the construction of various commercial and defence vessels. Established in 2008, it is already recognised as one of South Africa’s pre-eminent ship building yards, having generated almost R1 billion in export orders since inception. In the past year alone, the company generated turnover of over R100 million, an increase of an incredible 67% over the previous year.
Says CEO James Fisher: “We are both proud and humbled to accept this award, and we view it as a testament to the hard work of everyone at the company, from the welders in the yard through to the directors in their offices. Our vision at Nautic is to create a world-class manufacturing hub that can grow and be sustainable for many years to come, and this award adds to our confidence that we are on the right track.”
Over the past five years, Nautic Africa has focused on building the best facilities, expertise and technology to manufacture vessels that are reliable, safe, competitively-priced and purpose-built for the African continent. In so doing, it also constantly strives towards lessening its negative impact on the environment, and heightening its positive impact.
“Aluminium ship building has a low impact on the environment as the products are biodegradable, adaptable and offer extraordinary longevity of use and customisability,” said Fisher.
In conclusion, Fisher congratulates the overall winner, Technical Systems, as well as the other category winners and fellow finalists.
“It is companies such as these, which continue to push the boundaries of growth and the envelope of creativity, that will help build not only the Western Cape but South Africa at large, into a strong, viable and sustainable business hub,” he says.
“We at Nautic Africa are immensely proud to stand alongside these outstanding companies as we move forward developing industry in the Western Cape.”
