Hall Of Fame INDUCTEES

Joss DeIuliis Named as Inaugural Hall of Fame Inductee at 2024 Hunter Manufacturing Awards

The Hunter Manufacturing Awards (HMAs) are proud to announce Joss DeIuliis as the inaugural inductee into the HMA Hall of Fame, an honour that recognises his profound and lasting contributions to the Hunter region’s manufacturing sector.

Joss DeIuliis is a name synonymous with innovation, leadership, and the spirit of collaboration that drives local industry forward. Over the course of his distinguished career, he has played a pivotal role in not only shaping the manufacturing landscape of the region but also in championing local businesses on a national stage.

The Hunter Manufacturing Hall of Fame, newly established in 2024, honours individuals and companies that have made a significant and lasting impact on the region’s manufacturing industry. "This category was created to recognise those who have not only contributed to the growth and success of the industry but who have also lifted the people, organisations, suppliers, and customers around them," said Jacqui Daley, Chair of the HMA. The Hall of Fame celebrates those who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, mentorship, and a vision for a stronger manufacturing future for the region.

The Hunter Manufacturing Awards themselves owe part of their existence to DeIuliis’s initiative. In September 2004, DeIuliis reached out to fellow manufacturing leader Bob Cowan after learning of an association on the Central Coast that was profiling and promoting manufacturers in their region. DeIuliis suggested that something similar could be done for the Hunter’s manufacturers. This initial conversation sparked the creation of the HMAs, and soon after, a group of like-minded manufacturers agreed on the need to recognise and promote the achievements of the region’s industries.

DeIuliis’s entrepreneurial acumen is also evidenced by his success across multiple businesses, including Waratah Engineering, Hunter Screens, Field Maintenance Services, and Custom Fluidpower. His foresight and business strategies have nurtured the growth of these companies into strong local and national entities.

Not one to shy away from challenging the status quo, DeIuliis encouraged BHP to outsource locally, catalysing a shift in mindset that prioritised regional businesses. He also took bold steps to break down the long-standing belief that only OEMs could handle mining equipment refurbishment, enabling local companies to take on these projects.

Beyond his contributions to the manufacturing industry, Joss DeIuliis has also established a name in another iconic Hunter Valley sector—wine. In 1987, Joss and his wife Anna DeIuliis purchased a property on Lovedale Road, where they planted their first vines in the early 1990s, including chardonnay, semillon, verdelho, merlot, and shiraz. This vision grew into De Iuliis Wines, a respected winery known for its high-quality wines. Now, their son Mike DeIuliis carries on the family legacy as the current owner, ensuring the continued success of the winery and its contribution to the region.

In recognition of his remarkable achievements and his lasting impact on the Hunter region, the HMA board is proud to induct Joss DeIuliis as the first-ever member of the HMA Hall of Fame. His leadership, foresight, and unwavering commitment to the region embody the essence of this prestigious honour.

"Joss has been a driving force behind the region’s growth and has played an instrumental role in creating opportunities for both people and organisations. His dedication to collaboration and innovation has truly set him apart, and we are honoured to celebrate his legacy with this induction," said Jacqui Daley, Chair of the HMA.

The 2024 Hunter Manufacturing Awards continue to celebrate the excellence, innovation, and resilience of the region’s manufacturers, and with the introduction of the Hall of Fame category, the legacy of leaders like Joss DeIuliis will continue to inspire future generations.