Engineering and export success have been hallmarks of Queensland company Ludowici’s growth over the past decade.
Currently being stepped up in significant emerging mining and processing equipment markets in South America and Asia, the export drive and Ludowici’s innovative product development were recently in the spotlight when the company won the major gong in the large manufacturing and mining category of Queensland’s annual Smart State Awards.
Presented by former state premier Peter Beattie, the award was for innovation and Ludowici’s demonstration of its ability to develop and commercialise innovative equipment for the mining industry.
Business development manager Jim Cronin said innovation in design and manufacturing was a focus of the company’s in-house research and development, and its collaboration with groups such as the CSIRO and universities.
Established in 1858, Austmine member Ludowici has its head office and new stateof- the-art manufacturing base in Brisbane, Queensland. It services the Australian market from offices in Queensland, Western Australia, New South Wales and South Australia, and the international market mainly via subsidiaries in Chile, the USA, China, India and South Africa.
“Ludowici works closely with the major mining companies, CSIRO, universities and industry bodies to develop leading edge innovative technology for mining markets in Australia and overseas.”
Cronin said the company was building a long-term sustainable business in Latin America and was committed to growing its footprint there by organic or acquisition growth.
“We have an operation in Chile with staff of 11 people and have used it as the base to grow sales in Chile, Peru, Argentina , Bolivia and Colombia,” he said.
“We are also working with CVRD in Brazil and hope to achieve sales in the near future.
“In India we have opened a sales and service operation in Chennai and have achieved initial sales of $A1.5 million.
“India is a target country and we will build a long term business as equipment suppliers to the Indian mining industry.
“We have achieved ongoing sales in both countries and continue to exhibit at mining shows to promote our brand. In 2008 we will exhibit at Expomin in Chile and IMME in Kolkata, India.
” With total annual sales of some $A145 million and about 570 employees, Ludowici is intent on expanding its mining business globally. “The Ludowici brand name represents reliable, leading edge equipment and is truly a global brand,” Cronin said.
“Expanding our global footprint into target mining markets is a priority strategy.”
Contact: j.cronin@ludovici.com.au
www.ludovici.com.au