HMA 2024

Celebrating 20 years

Award Winners

Manufacturer of the Year – 50 Employees or More Award: Apollo Engineering, which has established itself as a leader in advanced manufacturing in regional NSW. It drives innovation with cutting-edge solutions such as its patented centrifugal filter and robotic welding systems. Its expansion into international markets includes $850,000 worth of exports to Indonesia.

Manufacturer of the Year – Less than 50 Employees Award –Omnia, which has experienced remarkable export growth. Up to 94.2% of its sales in FY25 will come from international markets. Known for its innovative omni wheel technology, Omnia has invested heavily in research and development, automation, and sustainability.

Apprentice of the Year – Christie Hayward of Westrac, for showcasing her commitment and passion for boilermaking. Relocating to pursue her apprenticeship, she has embraced hands-on learning and developed a strong skill set.

Rising Star Award – Jamie Woods of TW Woods fabrication and engineering services, for his dedication and innovative leadership. He started as an apprentice and rose to general manager where he has introduced critical improvements.

Manufacturing Leader Award – Peter McKinnon of Omnia. He has operated Omnia Wheel for more than 18 years. From humble beginnings with three people, Omnia is now an industry leader with 73 employees.

Excellence in Sustainable Operations Award – Signarama Tuggerah for demonstrating to the world that sustainability can be a profitable part of business. It achieved remarkable sustainability milestones that culminated in a groundbreaking project for the Paris Olympic games. Signarama partnered with key industry leaders Spandex, Avery Denison, and HP to develop and implement eco-friendly signage for the Australian Olympic team.

Collaboration Partnership Award – The Melt, Allegro Energy and Muswellbrook Shire Council, for their groundbreaking work on a first-of-its-kind Microemulsion Redox Flow Battery. This partnership combined Allegro’s innovative energy storage technology with The Melt’s expertise in engineering and design.

Excellence in Innovation Award – SAPHI, for Shellshock AI, its advanced monitoring and control system designed to enhance safety, efficiency, and real-time decision-making across a range of industries including mining and transport.

Excellence in Manufacturing Capability Award – Omnia Wheel, for its strategic investment in automation and new machinery. Upgrading to advanced tools and automated systems reduced production costs by 54 per cent, increased output from 500,000 to 2 million wheels annually, and cut labour requirements by 95%.

Excellence in Building Workforce Capability for the Future Award – Morgan Engineering, for its innovative, in-house Apprenticeship Training Program.

Excellence in Product Design – SafeGauge, for the SafeTest Tachometer and MultiTool Pro. These cutting-edge tools enhance safety in heavy machinery maintenance.

Outstanding Start-up Award – Allegro Energy, which is revolutionising energy storage.

Excellence in Marketing – Out Of The Square Media and Guts Creative – joining forces to rebrand Ampcontrol and transform it into a leader of the global energy revolution.

Excellence in Export and Global Supply Chains Award - Whiteley, a leader in infection prevention, medical device reprocessing, and cleaning solutions that exports to more than 35 countries. Its Tomago-based facility produces world-class disinfectants and healthcare products under stringent quality standards.

Hall of Fame Award - Joss De Iuliis.