SWE has won a total of four awards at the 2013 Westpac Marlborough Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards, held in Blenheim on November 15, including the Supreme Award.
SWE managing director Stephen Leitch says the win recognises the company’s role in helping the region’s major industries expand responsibly, with the best systems possible for using and disposing of water.
“It was an incredible achievement for us, and really did mark something of a coming of age,” said Mr Leitch. He said the win proved the company is well positioned for Marlborough’s upcoming phase of vineyard expansion.
The Business Excellence Awards wins included the Supreme Award, the Innovation Award and the Marlborough Lines Adding Value to Marlborough Award, which Mr Leitch said were key accolades.
He said water usage and water disposal, including waste water and effluent, was a very important issue for Marlborough. “Water is the lifeblood of this region’s vineyards, and our role is to ensure it’s getting where it’s needed, when it’s needed” he said.
“People often assume the water is pumping evenly across their vines, and only realise the system has been failing when it’s too late.”
The company also runs audits of vineyards, to ensure their irrigation is up to scratch, improving the systems where they are not delivering.
The company actively supports major Marlborough industries, including viticulture and dairy, and has plans to work in aquaculture as well.
“Although we work behind the scenes, and largely invisibly, we are confident that by supporting our clients to work more efficiently, we have an impact on the economic success of not only our clients but also of our region.”
