Andor Technology wins top exporter award

Andor Technology Ltd, west Belfast manufacturers of scientific cameras, has been chosen as Northern Ireland's top exporter in an event organised by Invest NI.
Professor Fabian Monds, Invest NI Chairman, announced the choice of Andor Technology at the 10th annual Northern Ireland Exporter of the Year Awards 2001 gala dinner in the City Hall, Belfast last night.
Andor Technology was successful because it had achieved annual growth in exports of over 50% to high-profile industrial and academic clients in markets from North America to Japan.
More than 250 business people from local companies, business bodies and councils attended the event, which is co-sponsored by the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry and British European.
Other awards announced last night were:
Strategic Business Alliance Award 2001: Audio Processing Technology Ltd, Belfast.
First Time Exporter of the Year 2001: The McAvoy Group Ltd, Dungannon.
Small Business Exporter of the Year 2001: Fivemiletown Creamery, Fivemiletown.
E-Business Exporter of the Year 2001: gem - the Global E-Mail Company Ltd, Belfast.
Tradeable Services Exporter of the Year 2001: Northern Ireland Public Sector Enterprises (NI-CO), Belfast.
Praising the export achievements of Andor Technology, Prof Monds said: "This knowledge-led company, a university spin-out, is an excellent example of the entrepreneurship and commitment to innovation which is at the core of Invest NI's strategy to accelerate Northern Ireland's economic growth.
"From its early beginnings in the Physics Department at Queen's University, Andor Technology has combined entrepreneurial flair with a dedication to innovation in its products and services to customers.
"To maximise the enormous potential of its scientific cameras quickly and to achieve fast growth Andor has successfully secured venture capital funding and is now positioned for even greater success.
Leslie Morrison, Invest NI Chief Executive, said supporting the growth of export-led companies to increase overseas sales was a strategic priority for the organisation.
Said Mr Morrison: "We recognise that exporting is a vital part of our economy and society; it fuels economic growth; it creates wealth and higher incomes arising from the creation of higher quality jobs; it stimulates fresh thinking; it introduces new ideas, technologies and different ways of doing things into Northern Ireland; and takes our skills, experience and knowledge around the world."
The awards were based on performance in exports over the three years to end of March 2001.
Andor Technology, www.andor-tech.com
(GMcG)