Henderson-based Matrix Composites & Engineering has been named the Resources and Energy Winner at the 63rd Australian Export Awards, recognising its global leadership in advanced composite materials for harsh environments.
The awards, presented by the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) in Canberra on November 26, 2025, celebrated 14 category victors from 370 applicants across eight states and territories, with winners generating over $4 billion in exports last financial year.
Matrix designs and manufactures high-performance composite systems that replace conventional materials with solutions that are lighter, stronger, smarter and corrosion-free — engineering products to perform in the world’s harshest environments.
Its 22,000-square-metre facility in Western Australia’s Australian Marine Complex, opened in 2011, is the world’s largest composites syntactic foam plant, featuring automated processes, robotics, and the Southern Hemisphere’s largest hyperbaric test centre.
The company partners with giants like Boeing, Leidos, Exxon, Subsea 7, Saipem, Petrobras, and Inpex, supporting offshore oil, renewables like wind, and green hydrogen projects.
“Matrix has achieved some significant export wins — including major international contracts that required deep technical expertise, persistence, and collaboration across the business,” said Aaron Begley, Chief Executive Officer at Matrix Composites & Engineering.
“This recognition is about celebrating the people behind those results.”
Begley highlighted past successes, such as a $44 million subsea buoyancy module contract with Saipem for a Brazilian deepwater project and deals with Subsea 7 and Petrobras, emphasising local relationships and certifications.
“Being headquartered in Perth – one of the most remote cities in the world – has shaped our approach,” Begley said.
“Isolation has never been a limitation for Matrix; instead, it has been a catalyst for creativity.
Begley noted that lacking ready access to worldwide supply chains or extensive support systems forced his team to adopt unconventional strategies, engineer more efficiently, and pursue daring innovations.
This approach evolved into a key strength for the company.
Now, they maintain a strong, worldwide supply network that can provide intricate composite products to any location globally.
Aaron Begley said knowing your market, not just the technical requirements, but the cultural and commercial landscape was important for businesses looking to establish themselves as exporters.
“Matrix’s success with Petrobras and Subsea 7 came from investing in local relationships and certifications,” Begley said.
Begley said the aim is to make sure essential technologies — particularly in subsea, energy, and defence — are created, built, and maintained within Australia.
He noted that strengthening these capabilities not only boosts the nation’s global competitiveness but also ensures meaningful contributions at home.
According to him, it demonstrates that world-leading innovation can originate in Australia and that local expertise can succeed on an international stage.
Australia’s exporters make a significant contribution to the economy, creating new jobs in major cities and regional towns for the prosperity of all Australians.
“Australia’s exporters make a significant contribution to Australia’s economic prosperity,” said Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell.
“They create thousands of jobs in our regions and cities, taking the best of Australia to the world and enhancing our reputation as a strong and trusted trading nation and partner.
“I commend all of this year’s finalists and winners who have collectively generated more than $4 billion in export earnings this last financial year.”
Alongside Matrix Composites & Engineering, which won the Resources and Energy category, other winners include:
- Australian Exporter of the Year and Sustainability and Green Economy: Premier Metal Recyclers (WA)
- Agribusiness, Food and Beverages: Marquis Macadamias (QLD)
- Creative Industries: Orbitkey (VIC)
- E-commerce: Humanitix (NSW)
- Emerging Exporter: Six Zero Pickleball (QLD)
- First Nations Exporter: Munda Wines (SA)
- International Education and Training: UOW Global Enterprises (NSW)
- International Health: Marinova (TAS)
- Manufacturing and Advanced Materials: PWR Advanced Cooling Technology (QLD)
- Professional Services: CMAX Clinical Research (SA)
- Regional Exporter: Almondco Australia (SA)
- Small Business: Three Warriors (TAS)
- Technologies: MyVenue (SA)