Ronstan Honoured at METS

11:52 PM Mon 24 Nov 2008 GMT

'A familiar sight on the water and land, Ronstan is recognised internationally for quality.' .

After 21 years of exhibiting at every METS ever staged, Australian deck hardware manufacturer Ronstan won its first DAME Award - for deck hardware.

While the company hasn't actually entered the award on every occasion, managing director Alastair Murray says the show is of utmost importance to the brand for showcasing its range and meeting new customers.

'This is the industry's only truly international marketing place. It's the one place where we come face to face with peers, customers and competitors from all over the world. I wouldn't miss it for anything,' he says.

The show, Murray maintains, was instrumental in uniting the Australian marine equipment industry. 'The international pavilions gave us the inspiration that led to the formation of AIMEX (Australian International Marine Export Group).' According to Murray, who is now serving his second term as the association's president, 'It drew AIMEX together.'

Regarding this year's show, Murray comments: 'There's a lot of talk about how tough it is in the market today, but I haven't noticed any major difference this year at METS compared with previous years. It has been very positive for us.'

He adds: 'We feel strong, because we're heavily involved in the aftermarket. Although our domestic market has been flat over the past 10 years, we've done well at home because of this. Our Danish factory, however, is more oriented towards the OEM market, and is hurting because of the downturn in Europe.

As for Ronstan winning its first DAME award, Murray comments: 'I'm thrilled that our latest Series 40 Orbit blocks have won it. We designed and developed it in-house and took more of a risk, spending A$3 million on it. We're very pleased that it has paid off.'

More at www.ronstan.com/marine/