Cochlear Limited - global leader in the research and development, manufacture and marketing of implantable hearing solutions - won the 2007 DHL Australian Exporter of the Year Award. Cochlear also won the category award for Large Advanced Manufacturer.

The category award for Large Advanced Manufacturer recognised Cochlear as a successful and innovative exporter within the sector. Cochlear was also selected as the overall winner - 2007 DHL Australian Exporter of the Year - from among 12 national category winners which recognised our extraordinary achievements in international business.

Dr Chris Roberts, CEO/President of Cochlear Limited, accepted the award and said: "This is an award for all of the employees of Cochlear, including those who have gone before us who have helped build Cochlear into the great company that it is today".

Over 25 years, Cochlear has been involved in the research and development of the cochlear implant. Nucleus® cochlear implant systems have already restored the hearing of more than 90,000 recipients. A huge unmet clinical need for hearing devices remains as we are implanting less than 10% of the new people we could help each year (incidence).

Today, Cochlear has a 70 per cent share of the global market for cochlear implants, employs more than 1,700 people worldwide and exports to more than 90 countries. Cochlear continues to provide export growth and benefits to the economy through increased employment.

Cochlear's 2007 DHL Australian Exporter of the Year Award win follows its success in the NSW division of the Awards for the same category and overall winner in October 2007.

The 2007 Australian Export Awards Presentation was held in Brisbane on 22 November 2007 and officiated by Minister for Trade - The Hon. Warren Truss MP.
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For further information contact:
Dr Chris Roberts
CEO/President
Ph: +61 2 9428 6360