HeliMods is a forward-looking aerospace tech company that has not only built a world class facility and high-tech team on the Coast, but also created a whole new industry. Using some of the most advanced technologies, HeliMods transforms helicopters to take on specialist missions including firefighting, medical rescue, aerial policing and law enforcement.
Innovation is at the core of HeliMods’ DNA. They specially developed the Powered Aero Loader™ (PAL™), a world-first invention, to enable paramedics to seamlessly transfer patients weighing up to 300+ kilograms into helicopters and ambulance vehicles with little effort and within seconds, at the simple push of a button. Launching PAL™ into the global market was no easy feat but has shone a spotlight on the company, its team and the region. The innovation and export success of this product also recently helped to land HeliMods the prestigious title of the Queensland Premier’s Regional Exporter of the Year.
Founder and Managing Director of HeliMods, Will Shrapnel, said he was very proud of how the business has grown into a world-leading company now exporting globally, while at the same time retaining its roots here on the Sunshine Coast. “I have always been passionate about growing our industry, our talent and our capability here on the Coast”, said Will.
“Building HeliMods into the business it is today is really the realisation of a childhood dream for me, as it was historically impossible to be able to have a high-tech, high-value career while living in one of the most beautiful coastal regions in the world. That option wasn’t available to me when I was younger, so I’m proud to have now been able to create that opportunity for more and more people, particularly the up and coming generations, and to be part of providing a bright future for them here on the Sunny Coast.”
“We’ve grown from strength to strength over the years, based on a solid foundation of investing in the best technology combined with the best talent, which will continue to see us grow further into the future and be able to take on even bigger, more exciting opportunities.”
The company was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018 for its consecutive award wins.
“I would strongly recommend that businesses of any size and industry consider applying for the Sunshine Coast Business Awards. This Awards program was actually the first one we entered into, which gave us the opportunity to really examine our business from every angle and to put it up for external review through a competitive process.”
“We learnt a lot through that process and it also then gave us the confidence to put ourselves forward for other award programs, such as the Telstra Business Awards and the Queensland Premier’s Export Awards. It’s been a great experience for the team and also valuable to meet other businesses throughout the process and be able share insights and learnings.”
