Four regional winners from the 2025 Hunter Manufacturing Awards have advanced as national finalists in the 2026 Australian Manufacturing Awards. The progression marks the second year of a formal partnership between the Hunter Manufacturing Awards, Industry Update and the Australian Manufacturing Awards, which allows selected regional category winners to progress directly to national judging.
The 2026 national finalists representing the Hunter region include Australian Electric Vehicle Specialists in the Best Start-Up category, following their 2025 HMA Outstanding Start-Up win for electric vehicle integration. Product development firm Design Anthology has reached the national Innovation category final after securing the 2025 HMA Excellence in Innovation Award. Software firm Jaegersoft, which partnered with Tomago Aluminium to optimise operational technology, is a national finalist for Digital Transformation. Additionally, Regal Rexnord apprentice Nicole Clifton, supported by HunterNet Career Connections, is a finalist for national Apprentice of the Year.
The national direct pathway model was established in 2025, when Newcastle battery technology company Allegro Energy progressed from its regional HMA win to secure the national Best Start-Up title at the inaugural Australian Manufacturing Awards. The 2026 national award winners will be announced at a ceremony in Melbourne on Thursday 8 October 2026.
Chair of the Hunter Manufacturing Awards, Chris Kelleher stated that regional progression to national awards validates local industrial capability.
“The diversity of this year’s national finalists reflects the depth of talent, innovation and manufacturing capability that exists across our region. Manufacturing today is driven by ingenuity, smart technology, creativity and skilled people,” Chris said.
“These finalists showcase the breadth of capability that exists within our sector and the important role manufacturers continue to play in shaping Australia’s future. Their success demonstrates that manufacturers from our region are developing world-class products, solutions and expertise that can compete anywhere in the world. The finalists from our region are outstanding ambassadors for our industry and community, and we wish them every success at the national awards. Their achievements show why our region is one of Australia’s most innovative manufacturing hubs. Together, they are a powerful reminder that we make it here.”
Regional entries for the 2026 Hunter Manufacturing Awards closed earlier this month, with local finalists to be announced on 1 October 2026 ahead of the HMA Gala Award Night at NEX Newcastle on Friday 30 October 2026.
IMAGE | Four Hunter manufacturers named finalists in 2026 Australian Manufacturing Awards
