Here’s a checklist of inspiration for aspiring exporters. Our collection of 50 favourite export case studies shows that there is no magic ingredient to making it on the world stage, but it certainly helps to get the basics right.
Matthew Kennedy on Extreme Machining
Exporting since: 2004
Key markets: UK, Middle East, SE Asia.
Founded in 2002 and exporting for three years, Extreme Machining’s first export sale was to Turkmenistan (Asia).
Manufacturing drilling and surface pressure-control products for the oilfield supply industry, Extreme Machining has undergone rapid growth, clocking up $3.1 million in exports last financial year. “Every year since we’ve started we’ve doubled our revenue and our exports is where we’ll continue to grow,” says managing director, Matthew Kennedy.
As well as product quality, Extreme Machining prides itself on its service and timely delivery despite the tyranny of distance in exporting from Australia. The industry’s personnel are also very migratory, says Kennedy; so word-of-mouth has been a key marketing tool for the company. Establishing joint ventures with overseas partners also means Extreme Machining stays focused on what they do best, leaving overseas marketing, political and cultural hurdles to those on the ground.
