Four 2025 Hunter Manufacturing Awards (HMA) winners have progressed as finalists in the 2026 Australian Manufacturing Awards (AMA), earning national recognition for innovation, leadership and manufacturing excellence.
● Australian Electric Vehicle Specialists (AEVS)
2025 HMA Outstanding Start-Up Award Winner
Recognised for leadership in electric vehicle integration and sustainable transport solutions.
2026 AMA Finalist Category: Best Start-Up
● Design Anthology
2025 HMA Excellence in Innovation Award Winner
Recognised for combining design thinking, engineering expertise and advanced manufacturing
principles.
2026 AMA Finalist Category: Innovation
● Jaegersoft
2025 HMA Digital Transformation Award Winner
Recognised for partnering with Tomago Aluminium to improve operational performance through
technology.
2026 AMA Finalist Category: Digital Transformation
● Nicole Clifton
2025 HMA Apprentice of the Year Award Winner
Recognised for commitment to her trade, professional development and manufacturing excellence. Completing her apprenticeship with Regal Rexnord and supported by HunterNet Career Connections, Nicole represents the next generation of manufacturing talent in the region.
2026 AMA Finalist Category: Apprentice of the Year
Hunter Manufacturing Chair Chris Kelleher welcomed the progression of the four Hunter Manufacturing Award winners to the national stage.
"The diversity of this year's national finalists reflects the depth of talent, innovation and manufacturing capability that exists across our region. Manufacturing today is driven by ingenuity, smart technology, creativity and skilled people. These finalists showcase the breadth of capability that exists within our sector and the important role manufacturers continue to play in shaping Australia's future. Their success demonstrates that manufacturers from our region are developing world-class products, solutions and expertise that can compete anywhere in the world.”
Introduced in 2025, a partnership initiative between the Hunter Manufacturing Awards, Industry Update and the Australian Manufacturing Awards created the first formal pathway for selected aligned HMA category winners to progress directly as national finalists.
Allegro Energy demonstrated the pathway's value last year, progressing from HMA recognition to win the national Best Start-Up Award at the inaugural Australian Manufacturing Awards. The Newcastle-based company, which develops sustainable, non-flammable battery energy storage technology, has become one of the region's leading innovation success stories.
This year's finalists will be aiming to follow in Allegro Energy's footsteps when the Australian Manufacturing Awards are held in Melbourne on Thursday 8 October.
"The finalists from our region are outstanding ambassadors for our industry and community, and we wish them every success at the national awards. Their achievements show why our region is one of Australia's most innovative manufacturing hubs. Together, they are a powerful reminder that we make it here,” Mr. Kelleher added.
Entries for the 2026 Hunter Manufacturing Awards have now closed, and judging has commenced.
Finalists will be announced in early October, before the industry comes together to celebrate at the Hunter Manufacturing Awards Gala Awards Night at NEX Newcastle on Friday 30 October.
