Future Fibre Technologies’  export success was recognised with two separate awards at the 2009 Governor of Victoria Export Awards ceremony, held last Wednesday in Melbourne.  FFT was winner in the Small to Medium Manufacture section and commended in the Innovation Excellence category.

“Future Fibre Technologies feels very honored to accept these awards. They recognise the achievements of the full FFT team over the years, as well as our global partners and customers. These awards validate our belief in our great team’s achievements in customer support, market development and product development”, FFT’s CEO Rob Broomfield said.

The Governor of Victoria Export Awards has been running for 30 years and showcases the truly remarkable achievements of Victoria’s export sector.

The Minister for Industry and Trade, Martin Pakula MP, has recognised the efforts of the winning companies during challenging economic times. “This year’s Award winners have shown they are well and truly up to the challenge. They have helped our economy to remain sound when others have struggled and in doing so have contributed to the wellbeing of us all”.

FFT automatically progresses to the national finals of the 2009 Australian Export Awards which will be presented in November.

About FFT

A relentless focus on innovation, sound business management and sustained technological savvy, has made FFT a world leading provider of fibre optic intrusion detection systems used at sensitive sites including military bases, oil and gas refineries, airports, petrochemical plants and Government facilities.

FFT has expanded its global reach over the last few years with offices in Europe and the Middle East as well as the US and Australia.  For each of the past three years, sales have doubled.  At the same time, the company continues to focus on technological advancement and its product line has seen same major product enhancements and additions.

The main challenge

CEO, Rob Broomfield, sees the main challenge facing the company as the massive size of the target market and the pace the technology is moving.

“The enormity of the market means significant growth potential on one hand and the potential competition from a range of emerging technologies on the other,” Mr Broomfield says. “It means we have to maintain our focus on innovation, to ensure our new enhancements, features and technology will keep FFT at the front of the competition.”

A proven formula

FFT technology is well proven by demanding military and commercial users, with systems installed in 2002 still operating and receiving software updates.

Broomfield believes that the company’s global support capability is a huge advantage also.

“That users can speak to someone in their own country who can be at their site promptly to offer advice when needed is a big plus,” he says.

The results of the recently conducted 2009 annual survey reveal that customers continue to experience ease in dealing with FFT and enjoy efficient and effective support. The survey showed that FFT is clearly perceived by its customers as a highly responsive company.

Looking ahead, Mr Broomfield says that he has clear plans to continue to expand to the next level, to maintain market leadership by providing a range of fiber optic sensing technologies.

“As well as continuing to focus on technological advancement, we are committed to growing the business through internal developments and the formation of technology partnerships in the future,” he says.