Since 1987, Torsten Ketelsen has transformed a previously unknown garnet mineral resource with little local or international demand, into a profitable mining, processing and distribution business with 40% global market share in the garnet abrasive market. Today, GMA Garnet Group is the global market leader for high-performance blasting and waterjet cutting abrasive and for other niche applications. It has over 7,000 end-users and a wholly owned global distribution network. Mr Ketelsen has successfully pioneered the garnet reprocessing and recycling technology, extending the useful life of the product.
He is the Honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany in Western Australia, managing partner of Ketelsen Enterprise, founder and non-executive director of GMA Garnet Group. Mr Ketelsen also serves on the board of governors of the WA Museum Foundation and is patron of the West Australian German Business Association and the Society for Australian German Student Exchange. He was president and patron of various associations, a past member of the West Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry, International Trade Service Committee.
Mr Ketelsen has also won several awards including the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany in 2016, and Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2015 (Industry) business award, Ernst & Young 2008 Australian Entrepreneur of the Year (Technology & New Industries), 2007 Australian Export Award, 2006 International Business Council Award, 1990 West Australian Export Award and 1989 West Australian Export Award.
