The 2025 Hunter Manufacturing Awards (HMA) have officially launched, unveiling an updated program designed to showcase innovation, inclusion, and global competitiveness within regional Australia’s manufacturing sector.
Now in its 21st year, the HMA continues to celebrate the achievements of manufacturers across the Hunter, Central Coast, New England, and Mid-North Coast regions. This year, there’s an exciting new twist: winners of the 2024 HMA will be fast-tracked into the inaugural Australian Manufacturing Awards, organised by Industry Update, offering them a chance to be recognised on a national scale.
“We’re proud to raise the profile of regional manufacturers on a national stage,” said HMA Chair Jacqui Daley. “This partnership is a game-changer. It positions the Hunter as a manufacturing powerhouse and gives our winners the recognition they deserve across Australia.”
New Award Categories to Highlight Industry Priorities
In response to emerging trends, two new award categories have been introduced:
- Digital Transformation Award – Recognising excellence in the use of digital technologies to improve manufacturing efficiency, reduce costs, and drive innovation.
- Diversity in Manufacturing Award – Celebrating companies and individuals fostering inclusive, accessible, and equitable workplaces within the manufacturing sector.
“We’re highlighting the real forces shaping the future of manufacturing, such as digital innovation, diverse talent, sustainable operations, and global thinking,” said Ms Daley. “The 2025 awards go beyond trophies; they’re about celebrating the people and ideas that will drive our industries forward.”
Streamlined Entry Process and New Technology
The 2025 awards also introduce a streamlined entry process, based on feedback from manufacturers, making it easier for businesses of all sizes to apply. New technology has been incorporated to simplify the submission experience, ensuring that more manufacturers can share their impact stories.
The 2025 program was officially launched on 7 May at a special event hosted by Omnia and co-hosted by Apollo Engineering, two standout winners from last year’s program.
Business Development and Innovation Leading the Charge
Ben Bronkhorst, Business Development Manager at Apollo Engineering, credits their success to adapting to national trends and diversifying into competitive contract manufacturing. “We’ve invested in technologies like advanced fibre lasers, which began as internal improvements but have evolved into a platform for contract manufacturing services,” Mr Bronkhorst said. “At the same time, we developed innovations like the Biofeed food waste processor, positioning Apollo at the forefront of practical sustainability.”
Liam Manning, Chief Commercial Officer for SAPHI, the 2024 HMA Innovation Award winner, sees increasing demand for AI-driven solutions, particularly in workplace safety and operational efficiency. “Businesses are investing in technologies like ours to do more with less,” said Mr Manning.
2024 HMA Winners Included:
- Manufacturer of the Year (≥50 Employees): Apollo Engineering
- Manufacturer of the Year (<50 Employees): Omnia Wheel
- Excellence in Product Design: SafeGauge
- Collaboration Partnership: The Melt, Allegro Energy & Muswellbrook Shire Council
- Outstanding Start-Up: Allegro Energy
- Building Workforce Capability: Morgan Engineering
- Export & Global Supply Chains: Whiteley
- Innovation: SAPHI
- Sustainable Operations: Signarama Tuggerah
- Marketing Excellence: Out Of The Square Media & Guts Creative
- Rising Star: Jamie Woods, TW Woods
- Apprentice of the Year: Christie Hayward, Westrac
- Manufacturing Leader: Peter McKinnon, Omnia
- Hall of Fame: Joss De Iuliis
The Hall of Fame category returns in 2025, with nominations open for individuals or companies that have made long-term contributions to the region’s manufacturing sector.
The awards will culminate in a gala event on Thursday, 30 October 2025, where industry leaders and innovators will gather to celebrate the future of regional manufacturing.
IMAGE | Peter McKinnon
