your international trade partner
About
Our story
What We Do
Western High Pty Ltd is located in Brisbane, Australia with an office in Shanghai, China.
We source product and actively manage supply chains across Asia, the Pacific, South America and Central America.
We have trading partners in China, Japan, Thailand, The Philippines, Malaysia, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, USA, Mexico and Peru, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand and Australia, with further international development work in progress.
We welcome discussion about your sourcing needs.
importing and exporting expertise
Your international trading partner
No product is too big or too small. Some of our past projects include:
- Modular bathrooms;
- Wire and metal fencing products;
- Commercial and industrial plastic containers and pallets;
- Timber flooring and decorative timber products;
- Building materials;
- Kitchen and bathroom stone bench tops and stone work;
- Commercial kitchen equipment;
- Abattoir processing equipment and farming machinery and equipment;
- Fresh food products such as: asparagus, baby corn, tropical fruits, avocados and coconut products.
Our Vision
To be the most trusted international sourcing and procurement partner in the Asia–Pacific region, recognised for building long-term relationships, delivering reliable outcomes, and setting the standard for transparency, quality, and accountability in global trade.
Our Mission
Western High’s mission is to help clients source and deliver goods internationally with confidence.
We do this by combining practical commercial experience, strong on-the-ground partnerships, and a hands-on approach across the entire procurement lifecycle, from planning and supplier selection, through to quality control, logistics, and post-delivery support.
By prioritising transparency, long-term relationships, and technical understanding over transactional trade, we reduce risk, protect quality, and ensure dependable outcomes for clients operating across Australia, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, and beyond.
Why Choose Us
With our bilingual team on the ground in Shanghai and experienced Australian staff working closely with our partners, we bridge the gap between cultures, time zones, and regulations.
Our clients trust us to be their eyes, ears, and voice on the factory floor – ensuring visibility, accountability, and consistent performance across the entire supply chain.
Let Western High be your strategic sourcing and supply chain partner – delivering peace of mind along with your products.
western high evolution
Company History
Western High was established in 2003 in response to a growing need for reliable, high-quality international sourcing and procurement. The business was founded on practical experience across agribusiness, international produce trading, and commercial operations, with a clear focus on doing business properly and transparently.
In its early years, Western High specialised in sourcing premium fresh produce from Asia and South America, working directly with growers and suppliers to meet the quality expectations of Australian and regional markets. As trade volumes increased, the business identified a broader and recurring issue: clients needed support sourcing goods from China but lacked trusted partners who could manage quality, communication, and risk beyond a simple transaction.
To address this, Western High invested early in building long-term Chinese business partnerships rather than relying on short-term agents. Developing an on-the-ground team in China proved critical in establishing trust, consistency, and dependable outcomes, and remains a cornerstone of the company’s operating model today.
Over time, Western High evolved from a produce-focused trading business into a full-service international sourcing and project delivery partner. While fresh produce remains an important part of the business, the company expanded into heavy industry, civil construction, forestry, agriculture, and mining, primarily across Australia, Papua New Guinea, and New Zealand.
Today, Western High supports clients through the full procurement lifecycle, from early planning and supplier selection through to factory visits, quality control, testing, logistics, delivery, and post-delivery support.
This evolution reflects a simple philosophy that continues to guide the business: successful international sourcing depends on relationships, technical understanding, and accountability at every stage.
local and international team
Our Team
With over 30 years of experience in international trade and product sourcing, the team at Western High assists businesses negotiate the challenge of purchasing and importing goods from overseas.
Our team has a broad depth of knowledge and experience in manufacturing, agri-business, international transport and logistics.
Our China team are experts at identifying potential suppliers and evaluating their ability to supply consistent quality products at competitive prices
Ian Nielsen
Director
Ian Nielsen is a Director at Western High, bringing over 20 years of experience in international procurement and more than 55 years in agribusiness. He has deep expertise across agribusiness, construction, and large-scale poultry operations, particularly within PNG, and has worked extensively across Australia, Asia-Pacific, China, Mexico, Peru, and global markets.
With a background spanning fresh produce trading, piggery and poultry operation management, Ian is known for his strategic, relationship-driven approach and his ability to deliver practical, end-to-end turnkey solutions for complex poultry and agribusiness projects.
Craig Hodgetts
Director
Craig Hodgetts is a Director at Western High with over 30 years of experience in fresh produce trading and procurement.
He works across Australia, Asia-Pacific, the USA, Mexico, and Peru, with a strong focus on asparagus importing and macadamia exporting.
Craig brings a hands-on, strategic, and commercially focused approach, working closely with growers through to sellers to build reliable supply chains and long-term partnerships across global markets.
David Nielsen
Business Development Manager
David Nielsen is the Business Development Manager at Western High, with over eight years of experience across international procurement, sourcing, manufacturing, sales, and end-to-end supply-chain delivery. Working across Australia, Asia-Pacific, China, and global markets, he supports clients in agribusiness, construction, and heavy industry.
David is known for his hands-on, technical, and commercially minded approach, building strong long-term relationships and solving complex sourcing challenges through direct engagement, including regular on-site factory visits.
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your international trade & supply chain management partner
How we differ
Decades of global trade experience
With two generations and over 30 years of experience in international trade and product sourcing, the team at Western High brings more expertise to every project. We handle all the complexities of purchasing and importing goods from overseas for you. We manage international shipping, export documentation, customs clearance, and quarantine coordination.
Local knowledge & representation
Offering fluent support in Mandarin and Tok Pisin (Pidgin), the experienced team at Western High will ensure smooth communication with Chinese and PNG suppliers, factories, and agencies. We will conduct inspections, or can accompany you to factory meetings – organising travel, interpreting, and local logistics.
Insights, strategic connections & full supply-chain support
Receive strategic support & insights during product development with sample creation, materials testing, and prototype refinement. We have connections with many trusted suppliers, from whom we can source OEM and ODM products. From production planning to order consolidation and inventory control, we provide a full-service approach and will streamline your supply chain.