HeliMods flies off with 2018 Telstra Queensland Business of the Year award

Accepting the Award, Shrapnel said: “It’s just incredible to be recognised at a significant awards ceremony like this. 
“I founded the company around 15 years ago as a young engineer with a passion for using technology to solve complex and challenging problems on helicopters. 

“Today, through an absolute commitment to continued improvement [and] innovation along with talented people that joined along the way, we’re recognised as a global leader in this space and we’re delivering amazing outcomes to customers all around the world.

“A rescue helicopter, an air-ambulance helicopter, a police machine, all sorts of helicopters doing amazing work, our teams are the ones that transform those aircraft from factory to the specialist machines that do amazing work all around the world.”

As a cutting-edge aerospace business HeliMods designs and develops bespoke products and services that allow local and international helicopter service providers to perform critical missions from search and rescue to disaster relief.

Among the innovations HeliMods brings to the custom helicopter industry is its Powered Aero Loader™; a zero-lift, push-button stretcher loading system for rapid loading and unloading of road ambulance stretchers to and from helicopter emergency services aircraft. 

“Our highly collaborative approach, backed by our extensive airframe knowledge and comprehensive data packages, enables reliable and efficient integration of our bespoke mission system and equipment.”

While the company is making waves around the world with its sophisticated custom-made software and airframes, the Telstra Business Awards judges believe HeliMods is also a driving force in its local community. 

“The business is supporting the transformation of Caloundra and the Sunshine Coast into a technology hub, where employees have easy access to [a better] work/life balance than in more built-up areas,” the judges said.

“HeliMods identified a niche in the aviation market providing world-leading and innovative fit outs for airframes (low volume, high value). There is no one like them in the world.

“It has exceptional world-class facilities and demonstrated clear evidence of alignment in strategy, operating model and demonstrated investment in engineering excellence (skills and jobs for the future).”

The business also took home the Telstra Queensland Medium and Making Waves Award. 

Celebrating their 26th year, the Telstra Business Awards showcase the achievements and entrepreneurial spirit of Australia’s best small and medium businesses. 

The other business winners at the 2018 Telstra Queensland Business Awards include: 

•  The Pyjama Foundation, a charity that provides children in foster care with the opportunity to change the direction of their lives through its Love of Learning Program, was named as the 2018 Telstra Queensland Social Change Maker Award winner.
• Active Truth, a high-quality, high-performance activewear brand for women of all sizes, shapes and life-stages, took home the 2018 Telstra Queensland Emerging and Energised Award.
• CartonCloud, a cloud-based platform designed to support logistics companies and their customers, won the 2018 Telstra Queensland Small and Succeeding Award.