Regional Manufacturers Proving World-Class Solutions Are Made Locally
- Export success, sustainability leadership and industry innovation recognised at the 2026 Hunter Manufacturing Awards Gala on Friday 30 October
- Apollo Engineering and Elecbrakes named 2026 Manufacturers of the Year
Regional manufacturers are exporting technology to international markets, transforming traditional industries through digital innovation, building more sustainable operations and developing world-class products, with these achievements recognised at the 2026 Hunter Manufacturing Awards (HMA).
Announced at the Gala Award Night at NEX Newcastle on Friday 30 October, the Awards celebrated businesses and individuals demonstrating excellence in manufacturing capability, innovation, leadership, sustainability and workforce development across the Hunter, Central Coast, New England and Mid North Coast, with more than 400 industry guests in attendance.
Leading the honours were Apollo Engineering, named Manufacturer of the Year (50 or more employees), and Elecbrakes, awarded Manufacturer of the Year (less than 50 employees). Both companies also secured category awards, highlighting the growing importance of sustainability, innovation and digital capability in modern manufacturing.
Hunter Manufacturing Awards Chair Chris Kelleher said the winners challenged outdated perceptions of manufacturing and demonstrated the breadth of capability across the region.
“One of the things I love about these Awards is the variety of businesses and ideas they bring together. Beyond our major award winners, this year's finalists and winners include companies helping reshape the future of autonomous mining, creating innovative housing solutions, finding new uses for food waste, extending the life of major rail infrastructure, improving hospital waste disposal and developing products that are being used by customers across the globe.
Not many people would put mushrooms, affordable housing, hospital waste, mining technology and railway infrastructure in the same sentence, but all are examples of the innovation being delivered by today's manufacturers,” Mr Kelleher said.
Tamworth-based Apollo Engineering received the night's highest honour, Manufacturer of the Year (50 or more employees), and was also recognised with the Excellence in Sustainability award. Recognised for its engineering capability, innovation and sustained growth, Apollo Engineering has embedded sustainability throughout its operations, workforce development and long-term business planning.
Elecbrakes was named Manufacturer of the Year (less than 50 employees) and received the Digital Transformation award. The Central Coast manufacturer has transformed trailer braking systems with smart wireless technology, using digital capabilities to enhance the customer experience, support innovation, and strengthen its position in domestic and international markets.
Among the night's standout performers was Pitcrew AI, which secured both Excellence in Innovation and Excellence in Export & Global Supply Chains. Its technology is helping reshape the future of mining operations through continuous vehicle inspection systems designed to support autonomous fleets. The technology enables real-time monitoring of vehicle condition, helping identify issues before they become operational failures and demonstrating how regional manufacturers are solving complex industry challenges on a global scale.
"These winners are proof that world-class capability exists right here in regional Australia. They are investing in technology, expanding into new markets, supporting local supply chains and creating opportunities for future generations," added Mr Kelleher.
Collaboration was also recognised, with Downer and Sydney Trains receiving the Collaboration Partnership Award for the Tangara Fleet Life Extension Program, showcasing the value of partnerships in delivering long-term outcomes for critical infrastructure.
The event celebrated individual achievement and leadership across several categories.
Samantha Swain of Protective Fencing received the Excellence in Manufacturing Leadership award, while Protective Fencing was also recognised through the Diversity in Manufacturing category, highlighting the importance of leadership and inclusive workplaces in strengthening the future of the sector.
Amanda Bloom of VanHome received the Rising Star Award, recognising emerging talent and the next generation of manufacturing leaders, while Jayden Edmonds of Downer was named Apprentice of the Year for his commitment to developing skills and building a career in manufacturing.
The diversity of this year's winners highlighted the breadth of capability, expertise and innovation driving manufacturing across the region.
Novecom received the Excellence in Product Design award for SureWaste, Omnia Wheel was recognised with Excellence in Manufacturing Capability, Grolia received the Excellence in Marketing award, and Circular Organics was named Outstanding Start-Up.
The industry's long-term contribution was also acknowledged through the induction of Ian Hedley of Hedweld into the Hall of Fame, recognising a career of outstanding achievement and enduring impact on Australian manufacturing.
The Awards also attracted 15 first-time entrants in 2026, representing more than one in five submissions and highlighting the continued emergence of new talent, innovation and manufacturing capability across the region.
"The strong representation of new entrants is particularly encouraging. It reflects both the depth of manufacturing capability across our region and manufacturers' confidence in showcasing their achievements alongside industry peers," Mr Kelleher said.
Beyond recognising commercial achievement, Mr Kelleher said the Awards shine a spotlight on the people, ideas and partnerships driving the industry forward.
"Behind every one of these achievements are skilled teams, innovators, apprentices, leaders and businesses committed to making a difference. When manufacturers succeed, the benefits extend far beyond the businesses themselves. They create jobs, open doors for future generations, strengthen regional economies and help build more resilient communities.
Congratulations to everyone recognised this year for the contribution you are making to your businesses, your industries and our communities. Together, you are helping demonstrate that world-class products, technologies and solutions are developed right here in regional Australia because We Make It Here," concluded Mr Kelleher.
Full list of winners available HERE.
