A market leader in highly intelligent visual information systems and a telemetry products maker swept the pool at this year’s Hunter Manufacturing Awards, collecting their gongs at a gala presentation at NEX last night.
Carrington-headquartered Hi-Vis won the 2023 Manufacturer of the Year – 50 Employees or More Award, along with the Excellence in Sustainable Operations Award and the Excellence in Manufacturing Capability Award.
As a market leader in highly intelligent visual information systems (HIVIS), its products have been keeping Australians safe for more than 40 years. Hi-Vis has made significant investments in manufacturing technology and enjoys a close relationship with the engineering department at the University of Newcastle.
In recognising the winners, HMA Chair Jacqui Daley referred to the chosen theme for this year’s awards, “Made in the Hunter, for the World”. She said it encapsulates the very essence of what the Hunter Manufacturing Awards stand for.
“In a world marked by increasing demand and government initiatives aimed at advancing manufacturing capabilities, our local manufacturing sector is experiencing a resurgence,” Ms Daley said. “Manufacturers are innovating across a diverse range of sectors, from the medical and food industries to supply chains, embracing smart technologies and revitalising traditional processes.”
The other major award winner, for Manufacturer of the Year – Less than 50 Employees, was telemetry products maker Senquip. The Taylors Beach-based business manufactures telemetry equipment that monitors and controls remote machinery in harsh industrial environments.
Senquip also picked up the Excellence in Product Design Award. Its patented telemetry products are highly adaptable and replace the need for bespoke solutions. Senquip sells to New Zealand, England, France, Spain, the US, India, Italy, Uruguay, South Africa, and Papua New Guinea with significant potential for growth in each of these markets.
Ms Daley said HMA’s mission is clear. “We aim to champion best practices in manufacturing and inspire businesses to soar to greater heights,” she said. “While not every entrant and finalist may have their sights set on international markets, we are committed to fostering exploration of global opportunities and leveraging the strategic location and robust transportation infrastructure of the Hunter region.
“It is an honour to acknowledge the outstanding achievements of manufacturers from the Upper Hunter, Lower Hunter, Central Coast, Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, Port Stephens, and Mid-North Coast regions. The Hunter has been the host of some exciting media announcements for our industry in 2023 and there is no question the region is firmly positioned for ongoing support and success in manufacturing.”
Ms Daley noted the commitment from the State Government to manufacture trains again in NSW. She said the Hunter is perfectly positioned to deliver. She also cited the international terminal expansion at Newcastle Airport, the clean-energy precinct planned for Port of Newcastle, and Australia’s first lithium-ion battery giga-factory.
It was the 19th year of the HMA, and local television personality Jane Goldsmith steered the event flawlessly throughout the evening with 14 category awards up for grabs. Apart from those companies accepting awards, a feature was the students from Star Struck, who performed a medley from their production Ignite.
It was the 16th year of Downer Group as the major sponsor of the awards. Daniel Chaplin, Downer General Manager NSW, said the HMA is the region’s most significant manufacturing event. Ms Daley said she was grateful for Downer’s unequivocal support. She also thanked all the partners, in-kind sponsors, and supporters who play a crucial role in sustaining HMA.
“With the continuous support of our travel partner, Helloworld Business Travel Newcastle, and this year’s addition, Newcastle Airport, we are thrilled to continue our tradition of awarding the two major winners with a trip to an international destination, enabling them to attend trade fairs, events, or activities that will benefit their companies,” she said.
Ms Daley said 2023 also marks a special year for Bekaert Australia, which has been in operation for 100 years in Newcastle, producing a range of specialised wire rope products.
“Congratulations to Stephen Hennessy and the whole team,” she said. “Over the past century, the company has faced global economic challenges including the Depressions, a world war, and threats from international competition. And here you are.”
2023 Award Winners
- Manufacturer of the Year – 50 Employees or More Award - Hi-Vis Group
- Manufacturer of the Year – Less than 50 Employees Award - Senquip
- Apprentice of the Year – Manufacturing - Adam Potter – Molycop
- Rising Star Award (joint winners) - Liam Manning – Saphi Engineering and Curtis Gibson – A.E. Gibson & Sons
- Manufacturing Leader Award - Craig de Leon – Elecbrakes
- Excellence in Sustainable Operations Award - Hi-Vis Group
- Collaboration Partnership Award - Resourceful Living and Hunter New England Health
- Excellence in Innovation Award - Saphi Engineering
- Excellence in Manufacturing Capability Award - Hi-Vis Group
- Excellence in Building Workforce Capability for the Future Award - Hedweld
- Excellence in Product design - Senquip
- Outstanding Start-up Award - Janus Electric
- Excellence in Marketing - Hey Zomi
- Excellence in Export and Global Supply Chains Award - Bekaert Australia
