SMW Group has won Queensland’s inaugural Mining Contractor of the Year Awards at a glittering celebration in Mackay last night.
Organiser of the Awards, the Bowen Basin Mining Club, hailed SMW’s invention of an innovative hydraulic lift system as a “major breakthrough” that enhances quality, safety and speed, leading to customer savings of 25%.
The company, which has 165 employees and is based in Rockhampton, won the coveted Queensland Mining and Energy Bulletin ‘Contractor of the Year Award’.
SMW Group Operations Manager Frank Humphreys said the honour as a great recognition for the innovative work the company produces.
“We really do pride ourselves on being faster, smarter and more efficient,” he said.
“This award highlights that commitment. SMW has an amazing team; from our workshop crews fabricating and repairing heavy equipment to our field service teams, our engineers, electricians and office staff.
“To be named Mining Contractor of the Year is a wonderful recognition of their efforts and hard work on each and every project we undertake. I hope they feel the same level of pride that we felt getting up to claim the trophy at the awards dinner,” said Mr Humphreys.
Others winners on the night included:
- Ausenco Rylson – Cost Saving Initiative Award, sponsored by Greyhound Resources
- BMD Constructions – Time Saving Initiative Award, sponsored by Autocorner
- Team Engineering – Project Innovation Award, sponsored by JCB Construction Equipment Australia
- G&S Engineering – Community or Staff Engagement Award, sponsored by Civil Mining and Construction
- Thiess – Equal Opportunity Initiative Award, sponsored by Generic Induction Safety Program
- Linked Group Services – Best Product Launch Award, sponsored by QME
- SMW Group – Contractor of the Year Award, sponsored by QME.
Jodie Currie, Director of the Bowen Basin Mining Club, said the competition confirmed the vital contribution contractors and suppliers continued to make to Queensland’s mining sector.
“When we launched the awards we knew they would reveal some brilliant stories of enterprise, initiative and originality as well as old-fashioned practicality and dedication.
“The entries confirmed the magnificent efforts contractors make to ensure Queensland’s mining projects are globally competitive and at the cutting edge of productivity.
“I would like to congratulate all the winners and all those who submitted entries and I am sure they will all find the process of entering the awards will bring benefits in terms of future projects.
“Our mining sector is in a constant process of improvement and contractors and suppliers are responsible for many of the changes that make our mine sites safer and more productive.
“I’m confident that there are more wonderful stories out there and that they will emerge in future awards processes,” said Ms Currie.
Last night’s awards’ presentation dinner at the Queensland Mining Exhibition in Mackay was attended by 500 and honoured the achievements of 16 contractors and suppliers shortlisted for their brilliance, problem-solving, technical innovation and smart thinking.
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