In July 2008 Noble Park based company Ultimate Agri Products began exporting Aquatain – a new product for use in evaporation and mosquito control. Sprayed over bodies of water of up to 2000 hectares in size, Aquatain is made from liquid silicone, is fully biodegradable and ensures water remains potable, meaning it’s very safe.
Currently Aquatain is exported to the US and Dubai.
“Both countries are experiencing dramatic climate change in certain areas.” says Company Director, Glen McDonald. “Dubai is interested in Aquatain for mosquito control as well as evaporation control. Traditionally a desert, Dubai now has so many water features everywhere, the humidity has increased. Likewise, Phoenix, Arizona now boasts 720,000 swimming pools. All that water has actually made Phoenix’s climate change over the years. Because it’s in the desert you still have heat, but now there’s humidity as well. And with humidity, you get mosquito problems.”
The product seems to have attracted many interesting and unique clients, none more so than Richard Branson himself. Aquatain is being now being supplied to Necker Island – Branson’s privately owned island in the Caribbean.
“The manager of Necker Island contacted us wanting to know all about Aquatain for mosquito control. At the moment they have big problems with mosquitoes on the island. Given it costs about $40,000 a week to stay there, they don’t want anyone complaining!”
When asked if exporting Aquatain has been successful for Ultimate Agri Products, Glen is positive for the future.
“Aquatain certainly will become a successful export story. The US is keen and Dubai has put in its first order. We’ve also had an incredible amount of interest globally in Aquatain, especially with the recent outbreaks of dengue fever within South America and South East Asia.
The government of Victoria helped Ultimate Agri Products achieve export success
by offering great support.
“Our company has a couple of contacts from the Victorian government over in the States. They suggest programs for us to be involved in and help out with any local knowledge we may not be familiar with. Over the last two years I’ve built up a relationship with the guys from the Victorian government. It’s good to know that they are there. I can talk to them whenever I want.”
Glen says Ultimate Agri Products maintains a strong relationship with the Victorian government.
“I’ve just received an invitation to attend a conference run by the state government to be held in San Francisco, Sacramento and Los Angeles. It’s part of a road show that is taking Australian water-saving technology over to the Californian market. Many big companies will be involved. Aquatain will definitely be there too.”
For more information on Ultimate Agri Products please contact
Tel: 03 9701 0544
www.ultimateagri.com.au
For more Export information please contact
Victorian Business Line
Tel: 13 22 15
Email: enquiries@export.vic.gov.au