ABB Napier has taken out the top honour at the 2025 ExportNZ ASB Hawke’s Bay Export Awards, being named ASB Exporter of the Year at a gala dinner at the Toitoi Hawke’s Bay Arts and Events Centre.
Global technology company ABB, which has invested more than $34 million in its Napier operations since 2020, was recognised for its innovation in designing and manufacturing power systems that make AI-driven data centres more affordable and energy efficient. ABB employs 145 staff locally and is planning to add up to 50 more roles as production expands.
The judges described ABB as “a rock star” exporter that has retained strong engineering capability in Hawke’s Bay while producing a world-leading UPS product. The company also picked up the Ziwi Excellence in Innovation Award.
ExportNZ Hawke’s Bay Regional Manager Amanda Liddle praised ABB’s success, saying the company’s “products and clarity of vision were awe inspiring and the win is well deserved.”
The event, hosted by broadcaster Matt Chisholm, also featured a virtual address from Trade and Investment Minister Hon Todd McClay.
Other winners on the night included:
- Starboard Bio – T&G Global Best Established Business Award
- Ovenden Seeds – ContainerCo Best Emerging Business Award
- Haumako (Tātau Tātau Trust) – Judges’ Choice Award
- Stephen Jacobi – NZME Service to Export Award
- Tamsyn Illston (Natural Pet Foods) and Nick Elliot (ABB) – Napier Port Unsung Heroes Award
ASB Head of International Trade Mike Atkins said the quality of entries reflected the strength of the region’s exporters.
“We uncovered a rock star in ABB while both Starboard Bio and Ovenden Seeds have potential to make a meaningful difference in the world,” he said.
Award winners now progress to the national stage, with the New Zealand Trade & Enterprise International Business Awards taking place in Auckland on November 27.
