Hire and Rental News - August 2018

6 HIRE AND RENTAL NEWS • AUGUST 2018 INDUSTRY NEWS Chairman of the Board and Digga Founder, Stewart Wright said: “The company has lost a vigorously passionate and intelligent woman; the Australian manufacturing community has lost its greatest advocate and the world has lost a compassionate and amazing human being. No words can adequately express our sadness at Suzie’s death or our gratitude for the opportunity to work with her over the past 21 years. “Born and raised on the Gold Coast, Suzie worked in her father’s contracting business for over 15 years gaining hands- on experience in construction piling and general construction. “Working for Digga Australia since the mid-1990s, Suzie was initially involved in the company’s marketing activities. As the business grew globally, Suzie’s role became more pivotal; her passion for the business never faulted and she was announced Chief Executive Officer in 2004 at the age of 35. Based in Australia, she was heading a global company in what was predominantly classified as a man’s industry. Inspiring women globally, she paved the way for women at Digga and throughout the industry to take on roles traditionally male stereotyped. In memorium: Digga CEO Suzie Wright – 1968 – 2018 Suzie Wright, CEO and Managing Director of Digga Australia has died after fighting a battle with a rare form of ovarian cancer for the past 15 months. “Leading the company for over a decade, Suzie was responsible for several successes including the consolidation of its Australian operations; rescuing and successfully integrating Kanga Loaders into the Digga business; establishing a large manufacturing plant in the US and rebuilding the head office facility in Yatala, Queensland following a factory fire in early 2016. “In what she would say was undeniably her greatest achievement, Suzie made Digga her family and built a workplace centred around its employee community. It wasn’t just the 200+ employees who worked for Digga; it was the 200 families she helped support which meant the most to her. Her friends and family would describe her as the most generous and caring soul imaginable. “Passionate about Australian manufacturing and supporting local jobs, Suzie helped build strength and respect within her workforce that has helped to place Digga into the best shape of its 37 year history. Suzie was also very passionate about our customers and suppliers with whom she had great relationships. She made it a priority we value and respect our customer and supplier relationships and they became part of the extended Digga family. “Succession and strategic planning began not long after Suzie’s initial diagnosis and she ensured we have a very clear vision going forward. Her executive team have been leading the business successfully over the past 15 months while she fought cancer with her trademark bravery and resilience. True to her vision the past 15 months has seen exceptional growth across products, markets and customers.” The business will remain 100%Australian and family owned. Stewart (Wright) the company’s founder will remain as chairman of the board. Alan Wade, with over 25 years’ experience within Digga will step into the CEO position of the Digga Group. Peter Moody will remain as COO for the group. “Suzie leaves her team at Digga with heavy hearts but with a solid foundation for the future. We appreciate your support over the years and look forward to our continuing prosperous relationship.” An email address has been set up where industry members can share memories and photos of Suzie or send the family condolences at: suzie@digga.com For the end user this will mean reduced delivery times. The Australian Trusted Trader (ATT) program is a voluntary trade facilitation initiative implemented by the Australian Border Force (ABF). It recognises businesses with a secure supply chain and compliant trade practices, rewarding these accredited businesses with a range of trade facilitation benefits. Following an audit process with the ABF, Kaeser Compressors Australia was assessed on the security of its international supply chain, including internal procedures as well as evaluating the security within Kaeser’s premises. Among a number of trade facilitation Kaeser achieves Australian Trusted Trader accreditation Gaining accreditation as an Australian Trusted Trader (ATT) by the Australian Border Force means Kaeser Compressors Australia can expedite the customs clearance process for compressed air equipment arriving in Australia from its production facility in Germany. benefits stemming from being accredited as an Australian Trusted Trader, Kaeser Compressor Australia can now take advantage of priority trade services. This includes advance rulings as well as differentiated examinations at the border, both of which will help to minimise delays to clearance of goods. Kaeser compressed air equipment is manufactured in Germany. As an Australian Trusted Trader, being able to expedite the customs clearance process of cargo coming into Australia from the production facility in Germany, will be a great advantage to Kaeser’s end users in Australia by reducing their delivery times. From 2.2 to 500kW, Kaeser Compressors manufactures a wide range of compressors and associated auxiliary equipment that meet the varying requirements of a diverse range of industries and applications. Call: 1800 640 611 or: www.kaeser.com.au Kaeser Compressors Australia is an accredited Australian Trusted Trader