The Warrnambool-based company services the liquid processing needs of the dairy, beverage, food and chemical industries with preventative maintenance programs, spare parts and customer service.

Judges said the company, which is owned by Neville Wilson and Brian Duke, was very innovative and had identified new product development by engaging with suppliers.

The company also won this year’s Business Innovation award.

The company’s win was announced last night at the Powercor Warrrnambool Business Excellence Awards at the Lighthouse Theatre in front of hundreds of people.

More than 80 businesses and individuals nominated for the awards.

Ludwig Mjeda, from Optus’ Warrnambool store, won the Customer Service of the Year award. Mr Mjeda was nominated four times in the past year by different customers for his outstanding service and product knowledge.

Wendy McKane, from Coffee Treat, was highly commended for the Customer Service award.

The Hall of Fame award went to the late John Holland who operated a mini-golf course on the Warrnambool foreshore for about 20 years.

Mr Holland was also a part-time football and cycling broadcaster and a great ambassador for Warrnambool. 

Warrnambool gastroenterologist and general physician Associate Professor Barry Morphett won the Professional of the Year award. Associate Professor Morphett has worked in Warrnambool for more than 20 years and has been heavily involved in the medical education of students, interns and registrars on rotation at South West Healthcare.

The Young Professional of the Year award went to Fiona Golding, an architect who is a member of the Warrnambool City Council’s City Development Advisory Committee.

The judges were impressed with Ms Golding’s commitment to community involvement, her contribution to free information sharing and her role in forming local professional network, the South West Architects Guild.

Other award winners were: 

Retail: Monaghan’s Pharmacy; highly commended, Warrnambool Country Meats

Professional Service: South West Conveyancing; highly commended, FM Maher & Associates.

Health & Wellbeing: Somer Toprak Optometrist; highly commended, Warrnambool Podiatry Group.

Micro Business: A Cut Above Hairstylist; highly commended, Daktari Surf & Dive.

Manufacture, trade & utilities: Chitticks Bakery; highly commended, 2 Tarts Baking.

New business/new owner under five years: Warrnambool Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery; highly commended, Phinc.

Business Innovation: FDPI Spares & Maintenance; highly commended, o2 Media.

Franchise: Telstra Store Warrnambool; highly commended, Hairhouse Warehouse.

Community/Govt enterprise: St John of God Health Choices; highly commended, Leadership Great South Coast.