In front of hundreds of Queensland’s best business operators, trade commissioners and senior Government officials, Helitak Firefighting Equipment has been presented with the Advanced Technologies Award.
This achievement took place at the Premiers Export Awards, held in Brisbane at the Royal International Convention Centre on Wednesday 5 October, hosted by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.
On hand to accept the award from Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick was Helitak founder and chief executive officer Jason Schellaars, together with business manager, Emily Schellaars.
The Premiers Export Awards are in their 32nd year and celebrate the best of Queensland’s export industry, worth $100 billion.
There are just 13 distinct categories.
From its headquarters in the Noosa Shire hinterland, Helitak Firefighting Equipment design and manufacture a series of underbelly expandable tanks for helicopters that can be fitted to a small Squirrel (helicopter) through to the giant Chinook.
Helitak supply their tanks to operators across Australia and throughout the world.
Following the awards Jason Schellaars said, “I am incredibly proud of my team and the work they continue to do which has allowed our small Sunshine Coast company to take on the world – and win.”
“Helitak continues to grow and compete successfully with competitors far larger than us.
“We source 82 per cent of the components that make up our tanks from other south east Queensland companies, which helps the local economy.
“My proudest achievement is that as we grow, we are able to employ young local people and teach them skills in design and manufacturing in the place they call home.
“Our plans for 2023 are simple – maintain the quality of what we manufacture and take our unique Queensland product to Air and Trade Shows particularly in Europe and North America.”
