The 2019 Hunter Manufacturing Awards (HMA) will celebrate the new world of diverse and advanced manufacturing, with applications due to close on 31 August.

Designed to inspire and encourage vibrant and enduring manufacturing in the region, the HMAs recognise and showcase excellence across innovation, product design, technology, emerging talent, exported goods, environmental initiatives, manufacturing process, and skills development.

Within the Hunter’s manufacturing sector, more than 1,500 businesses employ 30,000 people supplying to companies across mining, defence, chemical processing, construction, and energy generation and distribution.

The Hunter’s manufacturers are not only keeping pace – they are leading the way nationally and internationally.

They are the leaders and innovators who work across networks and supply chains. They are outward-looking with a business strategy that is future-focused and agile.

HMA Chairman and Managing Director of Advitech Group, Steven Smith, said manufacturing formed a proud part of the Hunter’s DNA.

“We acknowledge the significance of the region’s manufacturing history, and we are committed to ensuring manufacturing continues to play an integral role in inventing the region’s future,” Steven said.

“Manufacturing today is being driven by innovators and collaborators working across networks and supply chains. Successful enterprises are outward-looking with a business strategy that is future-focused and agile.”

Steven encourages organisations in the community to put forward their submission this August.

“With nominations open for the 2019 Hunter Manufacturing Awards until 31 August, I encourage the community to put forward organisations, to highlight excellence across innovation, product design, technology, emerging talent and more.”

The winner of the HMA Board Award and the Manufacturer of the Year will each win an overseas trip to attend a trade expo or event, relevant to the winner’s line of business.

Each winner will receive one economy class return airfare, plus $2,000 towards accommodation and incidental costs.

Businesses and organisations can apply for the Hunter Manufacturing Awards via their website.

Applications will close on 31 August, with the awards ceremony to be held on Friday 11 October at NEX Convention Centre.

IMAGE | The Hunter Manufacturing Awards Submissions close on 31 August.