Washing Machine Company | Awards galore for IWM’s export successes

Birmingham-based Industrial Washing Machines Limited (IWM) has scooped another award for its export efforts by winning Exporter of the Year at the third annual PPMA Group Industry Awards 2014.

Washing Machine Company

IWM’s export strategy commenced in 2009 when the company directors set a target for 50% year-on-year growth in its export sales. This was achieved and, indeed, significantly exceeded in 2010, 2011 and 2012 thanks to sustained and proactive sales efforts

And, while most of IWM’s export growth initially came from sales in the USA, it is now achieving gratifying levels of sales in other markets.

Requirements and standards

IWM carefully researches each new market and adapts its equipment to ensure full compliance with local requirements and standards. In addition, the company, in conjunction with its agency partners in each country, carries out extensive research to ensure that its products are competitively priced compared with similar products from other suppliers active in the region.

A great deal of success

Carl Hollier, Managing Director at IWM, added: “Since implementing our export strategy we’ve had a great deal of success. We have reached new markets, created new partnerships and gained quite a few air miles”, he joked. “But it’s important to note that although we are putting enormous effort into our export programme, we are always conscious that we must never lose focus on our home market. We have, therefore, also invested heavily in a new purpose built demonstration area at our main facility in King’s Norton, Birmingham.”

Celebrating excellence

This year’s PPMA Awards ceremony was hosted by renowned comedian and impressionist Rory Bremner. The PPMA awards celebrate excellence and innovation from every corner of the manufacturing industry in the UK.

Earlier in the year, IWM has scoped up another prestigious accolade: The Queen’s Award for Export, which acknowledged the team’s extraordinary achievements overseas.