The company, which makes transfer chutes and loading gates, recently completed a multi-million dollar redevelopment aimed at expanding sales of its metal fabrication, coal and ore-handling technology throughout Australia and internationally.

“Our big strength is the fact we have great staff skills and are comprehensively equipped to handle complete projects onsite,” TW Woods director Tom Woods said.

“We don’t have to send work out all over the place, so we can meet tight deadlines and maintain high quality control.”

With some Chinese interest already noticed, the company is translating its brochures and website material into Mandarin, prior to a sales visit next month to coincide with the China Coal and Mining Expo.

“Business doesn’t come to you, you have to go out and fight for it,” Woods said.

“Companies in the Hunter need to have a fighting spirit to survive.

“We’ve seen the ups and downs of the industry, and we’ve used the experience to emerge leaner, fitter and more competitive.”