Epic Packaging's success story wins the big prize package

Epic Packaging has come out on top at the Westpac Manukau Business Excellence Awards, winning the overall supreme award and the innovation and manufacturing categories.

The Manukau company is a manufacturer and printer of plastic packaging and products for the industrial, horticultural and fresh produce markets.

In the past 18 months, Epic has invested more than $9 million in new manufacturing machinery and a second factory.

It now has two large plants operating in the Airport Oaks industrial area and employs more than 100 people.

In an industry where many are struggling to make a profit, even with large turnover, Epic is reversing the trend and is expecting an increased profit this year.

Managing director Mike Markam said the company's aim was "excellence in everything we do - it's a continuous objective".

The industry expert judges were impressed with Epic's custom-made, state-of-the-art computer system, which is highly efficient, works in real time while remaining creative and lets the business keep control of its critical processes.

The judges saw a good operation, revenue that looks likely to increase, protection of intellectual property - several patents are pending - and a developed staff skill base as integral to Epic's success.

Bruce McLachlan, Westpac's general manager of business banking, praised Epic for reinvesting in the business.

"Epic Packaging has benefited greatly from this investment and it is seen in their performance," he said.

Two Manukau business people were also inducted into the local Hall of Fame last night.

They are the late Bruce Drinkrow of Kaipara Civil Engineering and John Goulter, chief executive of Auckland International Airport.

Other winners were:

* Amcor Kiwi Packaging, a Wiri manufacturer of corrugated packaging - ACC Thinksafe Workplace Safety Award

* Shamrock Cottage, a Howick restaurant mixing fine dining with a historic atmosphere - Telecom Local Directories Best Small Business

* Graphic Design Time, an East Tamaki signwriting and design company - Westfield Manukau City Retail Excellence Award

* Trevor King, Howick community worker - Manukau City Council Business Contribution to Community Award

* Contact Warehousing, A warehousing and freight specialist - Kuehne & Nagel Transport, Warehousing and Distribution Award

* United Campervans, a family business which has doubled its fleet size over the past two years - Excellence in Tourism Award

* Rainbow's End theme park - Telecom Local Directories Customer Choice Award

* Nutrimetics Manufacturing, a Sara Lee Corporation subsidiary producing about 60 per cent of Sara Lee's Nutrimetics skin care and cosmetics range - Excellence in Exporting Award and the Tertiary Education Commission Award for Skills Development in the Workplace

* Epic Packaging - Phillips Fox Innovation Award and Cock & Bull Excellence In Manufacturing Award