Celebrating Two Decades of Innovation and Excellence
Twenty years ago, manufacturing in the Central to Mid-North Coast and Hunter regions was defined by its industrial heritage and traditional production methods. Fast-forward to today, and the region's manufacturing sector has undergone a remarkable evolution. Through the adoption of new technologies and innovative practices, the sector has diversified, modernised, and gained international recognition for its productivity and ingenuity.
The Hunter Manufacturing Awards (HMA) has played a pivotal role in highlighting and supporting this transformation. As the HMA prepares to celebrate its 20th Anniversary Gala Awards Night on Friday, 18 October 2024, at NEX Newcastle, the finalists represent an exciting cross-section of traditional industries and new, cutting-edge sectors.
“In the two decades since the inaugural HMA, which included winners such as Varley, Newcastle Machine Shop, and Cowan Manufacturing, the industry has expanded into advanced manufacturing, integrating with defence, aerospace, mining, chemical processing, construction, and energy generation,” says HMA Chair Jacqui Daley.
The 2024 awards will celebrate not only the region’s manufacturing growth but also the enduring commitment of the companies and leaders who have continued to drive the Hunter’s manufacturing evolution.
“The 20-year journey of manufacturing through the eyes of past HMA winners and finalists shows us that we’re just getting started,” Daley adds. “We see incredible achievements in areas like automation, sustainability, and global competitiveness. This year’s awards reflect the determination and belief these companies have in the future of manufacturing in the Hunter.”
Among this year’s finalists are many first-time entrants, such as Process Automations and Controls, Agrana Fruit, NET Modular, Nova Team Australia, and Wobble-Tee Sprinklers. Exciting Hunter start-ups like Allegro Energy Pty Ltd and Australian Electric Vehicle Specialists further highlight the region’s growing manufacturing diversity.
Judges were particularly impressed by Allegro Energy, whose innovative solutions are driving sustainability and tackling climate change head-on. Judging Convenor Michael Murray shared how Allegro’s founders identified the gap in Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES) technologies as key to achieving net-zero emissions and how they pioneered new battery storage methods with microemulsion electrolytes.
“This innovation is transformative. It addresses critical safety, scalability, and performance issues that current battery technologies can’t overcome,” Murray notes.
While new companies are bringing fresh ideas, well-established names like Tomago Aluminium are continuing to demonstrate excellence. "Tomago Aluminium has been a part of the HMA journey since 2006, and they remain at the forefront of manufacturing by continuously improving and staying relevant in today's rapidly changing market," says Murray.
For first-time finalists like Wobble-Tee Sprinklers, the HMA is a platform to share their long-standing success. “It’s immensely satisfying for us at the HMA to shine a light on companies like Wobble-Tee, who have been quietly manufacturing in the region for 26 years,” says Murray. “The diversity and depth of this year’s entrants are truly impressive.”
The 20th Anniversary Gala Awards Night promises to be a memorable celebration, featuring special guest speakers, HMA judges, board members, and the 2024 finalists.
“Twenty years is a significant milestone for the HMA, and it’s a testament to the resilience and innovation of Hunter manufacturers,” Ms Daley says. “As we celebrate this anniversary, we’re proud to showcase the incredible work being done in the region and look forward to even more success stories in the years to come.”
2024 HMA Finalists:
Companies:
- Advanciv
- AE Gibson & Sons
- AGRANA Fruit
- Allegro Energy Pty Ltd
- Ampcontrol
- Apollo Engineering
- Australian Electric Vehicle Specialists
- BAE Systems
- Deeps Engineering
- Design Anthology
- Downer Group
- Emergent Group
- Hunter New England Local Health District
- InfraBuild Steel
- Janus Electric
- Molycop
- Morgan Engineering
- Muswellbrook Shire Council
- NET Modular
- Nepean Power
- Nova Team Australia
- Omnia
- Out Of The Square Media & Guts Creative
- Phoenix Engineering and Manufacturing Solutions
- Process Automation and Controls
- Resourceful Living
- Safe-Gauge Pty Ltd
- SAPHI Pty Ltd
- Signarama Tuggerah
- Steber International
- The Melt
- Tomago Aluminium
- TW Woods
- Wobble-Tee Sprinklers
- Whiteley
- University of Newcastle
- 4id Solutions
- 4 Seasons Insulation
Individuals:
- Ashley Nunn (Nepean Power)
- Brendan Nicholson (Deeps Engineering)
- Christie Hayward (Westrac)
- Corey Bell (Molycop)
- Declan Gallagher (Nepean Power)
- Jamie Woods (TW Woods)
- Jayden Edmonds (Downer Group)
- Luke Wilson (Molycop)
- Patrick Fischer (AE Gibson & Sons)
Event Details:
Date: Friday, 18 October 2024
Location: NEX, King Street, Newcastle
Tickets: $220 per person
Dress Code: Black tie with a splash of gold
RSVP: Friday, 11 October 2024
Tickets on sale now
https://events.humanitix.com/2024-hma-gala
For media inquiries, contact:
Jacqui Daley
Chair of the Board
Hunter Manufacturing Awards
jacqui@themeasurdmarketer.com.au
0449 845 595
