Levett Engineering
Winner, Emerging Exporter 

Started in 1989 by engineer Paul Levett as a one-man operation in his shed, Levett’s initial focus was the local automotive industry. Forseeing a downturn, Levett began looking for new opportunities.

After four years of market research and undergoing numerous quality and engineering audits, Levett Engineering received its first export order in 2007 – from Lockhead Martin, manufacturer of the F-35 Lightning II (Joint Strike Fighter) aircraft.

Levett is now the only South Australian small to medium-sized enterprise to achieve the AS9100 aerospace quality standard and to export military aircraft components to the USA and the UK.

Export earnings now account for more than 30 per cent of current turnover, with this figure expected to reach 80 per cent by 2011.

The Australian Export Award judges were extremely impressed with Levett’s commitment to export and advanced technological capabilities. Despite the small size of the company, Levett employs a Business Development Manager and a Quality Manager to manage the marketing strategy and ongoing audits respectively. A dedicated project team responds quickly to customer needs, helping the company expand into other areas in the international aerospace sector.

The company maintains a competitive advantage by regularly upgrading its equipment to the latest European technology available. This allows it to manufacture components more quickly and to a high standard than competitors.

Since entering the export market, Levett has doubled its staff and expects that figure to grow more than 200 per cent by 2014.

The company maintains a competitive advantage by regularly upgrading its equipment to the latest European technology available.